Pretty Things: Home & Style Edition

pretty bookends

pretty workspace

pretty hair

pretty preppy, by j. crew

{belted jacket, ankle-length pant & pumps are a win!}

pretty spring look
not to self: MUST get Supergas in many colors...


In other news, issue #3 of Matchbook Magazine has arrived!  If you haven't checked it out yet, do yourself a favor and read all three this weekend.  They're so incredible.  Also, if you need a great movie recommendation for this weekend, "I Am Love" with Tilda Swinton was INCREDIBLE.  Seriously, it was the perfect combination of  "The Talented Mr. Ripley" meets "Great Expectations" meets "A Single Man."  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  What are we up to this weekend, loves?  Hope it's wonderful! 

photos: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, 6

Brighter than Sunshine

Ok, so by now you're like, "wtf, how many posts can she do about brights??" A lot. Take a hint from the most glamorous women the world's ever seen {Jackie, above} and start wearing them. If you're afraid to go solid bright head to toe, here's how to incorporate with caution:

{PINK tank from Splendid}

{ORANGE Brian Atwood 'maniac' pumps}

{GREEN scarf, worn by the fabulous Sophia}

{CORAL PS 1}

{FUCHSIA pants, paired with greys or greens for a muted look}

via pretty stuff, fashionologie, vogue diaries, tumblr, bag craze, tumblr

T. by Alexander Wang

It's pretty clear that the 90s {as well as the 70s!} are back in style.  I'm all about Mr. Wang's looks for fall.  Hemlines were lengthened, goth factor was upped and the fabrics were softened.  He absolutely won my heart with the amazing, monochromatic color scheme.  And the messy ponytails were the perfect compliment to these cool, no fuss looks.

How amazing are the long, simple dresses {especially this first charcoal one}?  The cut, the fit, the everything just works beautifully.  And check out the debut of his very first blazer for the line.

Tell me, are we gonna rock some Pearl Jam like it's 1994? 

via studded hearts, style.com

Little Boy Blue

Charlie is almost SEVEN months old.  I know.  Where has this time gone?  Really wanna know?

We've been decorating with giant Babar posters...

Playing with our favorite toys:
(1) daddy's old baby toy, "multi colored, gingham elephant," (2) organic rhino from giggle, (3) "C" train, (4) "anne-claire petit" elephant from ABC Carpet/Home & (5) "Happy Horse" Monkey from giggle {pictured from left to right}

And bouncing off the sides of his crib...he does about five 360s between the time I tuck him in and 10 minutes later when I have to peel him off the bumper.

All in all, we're having an incredible time.  He's babbling all kinds of crazy stuff, "blah, blah, blah...da da da."  Loving mostly everything I feed him: pears, apples, apricots, peas, carrots and most especially, sweet potatoes.  He's really into his blocks {eating them}, his stacking toys {eating them, also} and his drum {hitting it...hard!}  We're going to take a music class with some friends on Fridays and that might be his favorite thing.  Except, of course, grabbing onto mommy and daddy's faces and exploring the wonders of our eyes, noses and mouths.  Daddy's glasses have also made their way into Charlie's tight, little grip {along with the skin on my hand, neck and armpit, trust me, this hurts}.  I've also noticed that we have an abundance of blue things: clothing, toys, pacifiers, basically everything.  And my neighbor told me recently that he is unmistakably BOY, maybe it's all the blue.  If you have any questions for Charlie, direct them my way.  While his days are filled with lots of exciting things, he promises to get back to you as quickly as possible :  )

Saturday Cool: Reading & Watching

 I love the deep, plunging V, which is so on its way back this season.

Currently reading an amazing book, "One Day," by David Nicholls.  Such a fun little love story, soon to be made into an Anne Hathaway film.  Had been searching all over for a great book to read, stumbled upon this and it couldn't be more perfect.  Since I only get the chance to read for five minutes at a time {with a 7 month old, it's hard}, it's the perfect book to pick up here and there.  Light, easy & so well written.  Also tried to watch "Inception" last night and we turned it off after 5 minutes.  Our brains and sanities just couldn't handle that kind of thinking after a long, long week  {Instead I popped in Disc Two of the latest season of WEEDS, amazing & 100% mindless fun}.  

Did you see "Inception?"  Did you get it?  Is it worth the struggle for some Leo?

via dustjacket attic

the proof is in the pants

quite literally.
the secret to long legs?
long, black, uber wide-leg pants.
a 5 inch platform heel doesn't hurt either.

go for it, ladies...they're everywhere!

Try these on for size:
piperlime: Juicy
net-a-porter: Theysken's Theory
saks: ALL of these

via fgr, sss

Love Liz

{legendary, always}

*by far, my favorite photo of elizabeth taylor*

via bleubird vintage

Duck, Duck, GOOSE!

You know how you love to people watch? So do I.
You ever find yourself loving a look, but knowing that you could never pull it off? The frayed white button down, layered under the navel revealing sweater, underneath the grey blazer. The chambray top worn with the busy, print skirt, accompanied by the animal print shoes. This is definitely a case of "I appreciate your effort and you look great, but..."
{I could never wear that}

Then, sometimes you see someone and...

Hair up, dark glasses, neutral scarf, neutral sweater, neutral bag, black pants, black boots.
{Is that me?}

via garance dore, who what wear blog, stockholm street style

Bright Mango

Now that we've firmly established that BRIGHTS are undoubtedly the hottest trend of the season, you may be wondering how you'll fit them into your wardrobe.  Look no further.  The Mango Spring lookbook provides inspiration for the color phobic.  I for one am a neutrals kinda girl; my go to is black pants, neutral top & some kind of fun accessory.  Seen here, the stylists at Mango incorporated all sorts of accessories: the bright belt, the stacked bracelets, the saddle bag {in orange, of course}, the baseball hat & mitt.  My favorite has to be the bun-worn-as-crown & the giant sailboat.  You?

And for the winner of the OluKai sandals giveaway:

Karena of Art by Karena!
Thanks so much for playing.  We will have another giveaway this week!

Wish You Were Here

Don't you?

Waters of Italy, by Mercedes Sadique

via iconology

The Look

bracelets. brights. box bag.

via streetfsn

As Seen In Norway

A little over five years ago, the Norwegian government commissioned several architects to create sites around the country for tourists to stop and catch the view.  The finished product became an absolutely stunning connect-the-dots of rest stops from Jaeren in the south to Varenger in the north.  As we Americans know, our rest stops are typically not as breathtaking, nor are they at all clean.  Who's adding "Visit Norway" to their bucket list?  I'd conquer my fear of heights to jump on this tour, although I may skip #4, because it's just terrifying.

via here

Massimo Dutti Lookbook Spring 2011

This lookbook demonstrates EXACTLY what I want for spring: crisp, clean neutrals with understated pops of color {RED} in a preppie hippie kind of style.  I also love the nautical stripes in red and the lace skirt paired with the cable knit, leather elbow sweater.  I know there's a name for that sweater, but I haven't a clue what it is.  "Man smoking a pipe, watching MasterpieceTheater" sweater?

I'm beyond excited that Spring has finally reared it's glorious head in New York.  The cold weather just gets exhausting after awhile.  Today, the baby and I are going for a hike around a park with my mom and grabbing some sushi.  Tomorrow I've scheduled a cut+color because my hair is the LONGEST and the brassiest it's ever been {in the history of hair}.  Sunday is my brother's 27th birthday and we're celebrating with brunch.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADAM {or "boychick" as my mom would say}.  

What are you doing?
Have a lovely one, whatever's on your calendar!

*Don't forget to enter my contest to win a gorgeous pair of OluKai sandals for summer!  Click here!

Unconventional Work Bags

Most work bags are all work and not enough play.  I like to shake things up a little and find some fun choices to make everyday work attire interesting.  I'm currently loving Miss Two Tone by Tory Burch seen above.  It's the perfect combination of fun and serious while still being confidently fashionable.  I picked out a few others I wouldn't kick out of bed, either.  How about you?  What's your work bag?  Does it make you happy or would you like to throw it out a window along with that broken copy machine you curse every morning...

Why is "Y" so appealing?

YSL Easy Medium leather tote, $1495

I never go for the logo print, but this one has my heart.

Fendi Zucca tote, $665

And dolls, spell out the letters from the bags on this post:

T

Y

F

To you, fabulous!

xo

all at saks

GIVEAWAY: OluKai Sandals

"Olu" = comfort, "Kai" = ocean

Today I'm happy to be able to offer one reader the chance to win a pair of OluKai ocean lifestyle sandals. They're fun, fashionable, environmentally responsible, comfortable and totally remind me of my magical trip to Hawaii. The winner will choose one pair of sandals from the OluKai site to own! {Click on that link!} I've picked out my favorites, now go pick out yours!

{above: Hili in Berry/Natural}

{Kui in Off White}

{Paniolo Wedge II in Mica/Dark Java}

{Kui in Light Cosmo/Natural}

All you have to do is leave a comment with your favorite summer activity and you're entered! The winner will be picked on 3.23.11. Lots of luck!