box bag: part dos

as promised, i wanted to do a full review of the box bag from zara now that i have it. i have been on the hunt for a small shoulder bag because quite honestly my larger bags are giving me scoliosis. that might be a little exaggeration, but that's how it feels sometimes. haha. the bag is 6 x 6 x 2 inches, so its the perfect size clutch to grab for running around the city or a night out. the inside has a zippered  pocket in the middle of the bag, large enough for a lip gloss and phone. i was impressed by the quality of the leather and metal since the bag was such a steal. i will definitely be taking this bag with me everywhere this weekend! 

creativity

oscars 2012

my single favorite look at the oscars was nina garcia in jean paul gaultier couture. the LBD LBG seemed to be a theme this year, but none of the styling could compare to ms. garcia. (ladies, peep toes and sandals, or anything showing a toe or two, is not appropriate oscar attire. it's the OSCARS!) the minimal jewelry and simple hair made this look effortless elegance. 

laura mercier

when it comes to lipstick and lip gloss i don't like anything thats too heavy or sticky. i have been wanting to try a lip stain, and finally i did. i went with laura mercier's lip stain in scarlet (a classic red), and i love it so much i have been wearing it everyday. it has a satin feel to it, and it leaves an effortless polished look, without being to overdone. perfect for on-the-go, i can just throw it in my bag, and put it on my lips for instant color.   

a pop of color

i've been struggling with what to wear to the office that is work appropriate, but that doesn't include a black blazer or pants. this weekend i'm hoping to pick up a couple new pieces that aren't black, (i'm officially cutting myself off) so that i can incorporate more color into my work ensembles. outside of work i wear color in almost every outfit, but for some reason when it comes to what i wear to work i struggle with incorporating fun colors, without feeling like it's too much color. i thought this look above had the perfect pop of color, while still being sophisticated and work appropriate. i think the key is straying from black blazers, which are difficult to pair with a colored blouse or pant because it tends to read too harsh. this is where the camel colored blazer comes in!

19th floor

victoria hagan is one of my favorite interior designers at the moment. i reference her work quite often, and i find all of her projects inspiring, like these images from a  19th floor new york apartment. i love the dark office and living room, and the art work found throughout the space. the navy office with the large painting and mustard yellow sitting room are my two favorite rooms, because of all the different pieces in the room that somehow all work together. the two rooms tell a story, i can imagine the owner being an art collector, who travels around the world picking out paintings and one of a kind pieces to add to the space, from lamps to leopard pillows. 

box bag

i just ordered this box bag from zara, it hasn't arrived yet, but i can't wait to get it in my hands (or on my shoulder). i will do a full review on it once it arrives. happy four day work week! 

floral print

i stumbled across this wallpaper print and i think it would be perfect for a powder room or to cover the top of a glass or antique desk. a print can be a perfect solution to a room that doesn't have a lot of color in it. whether, it's a pattered pillow, chair, or wall, it's important to pick the right pattern. i recommend picking something with color, but not too much color, something that is classic and timeless. 

you can go farther

once upon a time, we believed the world was flat- 

that beyond a certain point, there would be no where to go. 

and though we now know the world is round, 

we still fear falling off imaginary edges, 

too often thinking there's only so far we can stretch, 

so hard we can push. 

the most dangerous limits are those in our own head. 

when you feel you're at your edge, look again. 

you can go farther.

monique lhuillier

i absolutely love the monique lhuillier fall 2012 RTW collection. it's romantic and red color story make it the perfect post for today. the red sleeveless floor length dress, red sequin dress, and the sequin cap sleeve look are my favorite in the collection. the sequin red dress is so pretty, it's the ultimate party dress. i would pair it with a nude pump and small subtle clutch in a camel or pale pink color. the pattern of the sequins on the neckline and sleeves are gorgeous. i just wish i could find something similar to it to have in my closet. 

hat season

it has been the best hat season so far, with little rain, but still cold enough to wear a wool hat to stay warm. i've bought two wool hats (one vintage and one from madewell) this season that i am completely head over heels for. but i wish i could find a wool had with some color. i will be on the hunt for a fun colored hat, something in black or navy with an accent color, or something that is a solid pop of color.   

inside my walk-in closet

i'm working on a project at work this week that includes a very large walk-in closet that i'm super jealous of. part of the details of the walk-in are maximizing the space of the built-in shelves to make more room for a large dresser centered in the middle of the space, seating, and plenty of storage. i love a dramatic lamp shade over the dresser and shelves for hats and handbags. ideally, i would like the dresser to be big enough to store clothes that can't be hung, undergarments, scarves, jewelry, accessories, and really everything that looks "ugly" hung (please no wire hangers, burn all your wire hangers). i hope one day i will be designing my very own walk-in closet, but really a closet isn't enough, i want a dressing room. 

calf hair coat

i saw this look, and i fell in love with the calf hair coat. although i will probably never own a calf hair coat, a girl can dream. i love the idea of pairing this coat with a bright color.  the shade of green is blah, so i would pair this coat with a bright purple or cobalt blue. i have been on the hunt for a leather pouch, similar to the one (here), but i want something with a gold zipper and preferably in a couple different sizes. i need a small one for my phone, one for makeup, and one to use as a clutch. i would love to get one in red, black, and another bright color like maybe purple or blue.  

s'mores

s'mores will forever remind me of summer camps and sleepovers. i think the last time i made them was probably at summer camp over a camp fire when i was in middle school, so this weekend i decided it was long over due that i make them. 

ingredients:

organic graham crackers 

marshmallows (cut in half)

HERSHEY'S chocolate bar (broken into pieces)

life is short

cinched silhouette

i love the cinched waist coats, dresses, and skirts in the christian dior pre-fall 2012 collection. the collection is elegant, feminine, and refined. my favorite look is the cobalt blue dress with the cinched belt and black tights, although i would have to add a statement necklace. i would love a great pair of trouser pants in this same color in my closet.