rad music for your friday.

 

xo-

{at this moment: musings & romantic florals}

. . . has been one of those slightly chaotic, always busy, work-filled weeks, with many cups of coffee and never enough time to finish everything -- lists and emails and plans -- and in the whirl of things, beautiful moments for dinner dates and pretty floral blouses and mango margaritas and it's nearly the weekend . . .

hope you're having a wonderful week so far,
xo

{p.s.} also new today:
* décor: french chic
* inspiration: pinkish lavender, pleats & tulle
* travel: springtime in munich


{image: malgosia bela by karim sadli - i-D, spring 2011, via oh fashion models & also at a glamorous little side project}

Eye Candy: Hilary Thomas Designs

Eye candy for reals. It's even the colors of dark chocolate and mint!

{image via Hilary Thomas Designs}

Personal Style: Rule of Three

I didn't go anywhere today. But I thought, "Why not get at least a little bit cute?" Normally, I would have worn this shirt with ratty jeans (okay, pajama pants) and flip flops. I thought, there must be something simple I can do to work this and still feel "at home comfortable." I did technically break one rule with the brooch. Aren't brooches for like cardigans, jackets... basically things with a lapel? Well, I've always thought so, but I enjoyed using it on an old tee, and I think you can do it too.

So, I invented the Rule of Three.

*Three minimal accessories to posh up an otherwise unremarkable outfit.*

1. Red lipstick Rimmel moisture renew in Red Alert 900... (will do a post on wearing red lipstick soon)
2. Vintage brooch
3. Awesome shoes.... ones that compliment your outfit but are still comfortable.

I had a belt and rolled jeans to make 5 things I normally wouldn't do while just lazing around the house in a few pics, but the 3 pieces work just fine for me to turn a boring outfit into something a little less boring.

I even jazzed up my mom ponytail, by making it a tad higher than usual, wrapping it loosely for a bit of a mess and pulling the top part out like a crazy woman and twisting in a bobby pin for a bit of 'oomph'.

Sparkles... old vintage brooches can be found anywhere. I got this at an antique mall for very cheap. Tip: Brooches can be heavy.. if pinning on a loose shirt, grab it through a bit of your bra strap to stabilize it better.

 I loved these shoes like a lot. Thrifted, of course. They were too big... so I just tucked the strap since there were no holes for my size. Maybe I'll drill 'em later, but maybe not, the tuck looks kind of cute.

 See, cute but maybe too much going on with the belt and the side tuck. You think?

 hubs told me to walk as I stood there cluelessly...

 He always manages to get a bum shot.

 

My pound puppy, rescued when she was 4 months old... before I even met my husband.

She's almost 9 now, I love my Jackie Chup, though it makes me sad to see her aging,
and even sadder knowing what this lady did to her dog!

This is what he calls a 'perspective shot" So people can see how low I am to the ground since I'm barely 5"

Love him too, such a sweetheart. When we were dating and first married, people used to stop and

ask him if he was a model. Made me feel like a toad... a happy one, but a toad nonetheless.

So ladies, remember the Rule of Three. What small 3 things can you do to jazz yourself up today?

*shirt: target/ jeans: delias thrifted/ brooch: vintage thrifted/ shoes: apt 9 thrifted/ belt: vintage thrifted*
*linked to Clothed Much's Rule Breaking Monday... visit for lots of other rule breakers

*linked to Mom of Two Boys Fashion Fridays

{travel inspiration: springtime in munich}

. . . even in mid-february, the city of lights was still {and always will be} beautiful, as it is anytime of year, but the photographs of paris in the springtime, posted at this time, a little over a year ago, were filled with such enchantment, thoughts to return have already been swirling about, not much more than four weeks later, to breath in all the blossoms filling the air . . . and isn't it amazing, the lure of any place, after having seen it in the light petal-tinted hue of le printemps? . . . and so, here, a few magical photographs of the exquisiteness of springtime of another lovely place, just outside of munich . . .


{images: all photography by yvonne bauer, discovered via decor8}

In Nicole's closet: Winter Kate and Millions from One

Nicole Richie was photographed wearing a stylish leather bracelet in support of the Millions from One charity.
Each recycled leather bracelet, stamped with the West African Adinkra symbols representing hope, love, mercy and peace helps to provide clean water to the people who need it most around the world.
Your one purchase of this leather bracelet is enough to provide 30 years of clean water to one person in need.
You can order it here for $10.

Nicole is wearing the Winter Kate "Lily" tunic with a black/cream floral print, available here for $185.

source: eonline

Fashionspiration: Dance the Night Away

Dance the Night Away by fashiondiva304 featuring peacock earrings

Getaways Guest Blog Series: Stacey from Quintessence

I'm very happy to have the lovely Stacey from Quintessence as a a Getaways Guest Blogger today. Stacey's blog is filled with thoughtful, informative posts on everything from wine and design to movies. Here's a bit about Stacey's vacation tips and faves...

Favorite Vacation Spot

I want to thank Connie for inviting me to participate in her fun Getaways Guest Blog Series. For me it was an easy choice since I have been going to the same vacation spot for many years. Nantucket is a small (only 14 miles long by 3-1/2 miles wide) island 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts with over 82 miles of beautiful unspoiled beaches, a charming historic town of cobblestone streets, chic shops and restaurants and an abundance of natural beauty, 40% of which is protected by the Land Trust.

Photos Courtesy of The Wauwinet Inn

Where to Stay

The Wauwinet Inn is a luxe Relais & Chateau property on the northeast part of the island where it is very narrow, so there is access to both bay and ocean. You can stay in the lovely main building or rent a cottage. Toppers is their award winning restaurant and there is a fabulous spa as well but the best part is sitting out on the lawn in the evening enjoying a spectacular Nantucket sunset overlooking the bay with a glass of champagne or a cocktail.


Photo Credit: Michael Galvin/Nantucket Chamber of Commerce



Where To Eat

Nantucket has a wide variety of great restaurants. For an adult evening out without the kids, our choice frequently is The Chanticleer in the “other town” of Siasconset (pronounced Sconset). Reopened a couple of years ago as a more casual version of the original French restaurant, we like the more laid back bar area to enjoy the bistro cuisine. Or go for a leisurely lunch and sit in the beautiful rose garden outside.

What To Do

One of the best aspects of Nantucket is that there is something for everyone at every age making it the perfect getaway location for either a family or a couple. From exploring the many beaches to visiting the historic whaling museum to renting bikes to tour the island, you could easily fill up a long weekend or week with activities.

And there is always town with its many tempting shops for fashion, art and decor. I always find something new to bring home.


Photo Courtesy of NJ Tours



5 Vacation Essentials

Essentials for a Nantucket vacation are good sunscreen, strong sunglasses, a great cap or hat, a book for the beach, and your camera. And if you’re renting a house, make sure you have a hair dryer because Nantucket is a notorious bad hair island.

Top: Birger et Mikkelson, pants: J Brand, sandals: Prada,

Bag: Chloe, Hat: Helen Kaminski, Sunglasses: Oliver Peoples

Packing Tips

Packing for Nantucket can be tough because of the unpredictable weather. Style tends to be casual chic. For day I pack long slim shorts or capris, fitted tees and a couple sun dresses with flats or comfortable sandals and havianas and a cover up for the beach. For evening I always bring several pairs of white pants from jeans to dressier versions that I can wear with a variety of tops, a couple sleeveless summer dresses in case we get invited to a party and sandals with a bit more of a heel. You have to bring an assortment of layers like sweaters and wraps because it can be hot during the day but the ocean breezes mean evenings get quite cool. I add belts and accessories to mix up my looks.

Favorite Travelling Companion

My favorite traveling companions to Nantucket are my husband and children. My kids have been going their entire lives and look forward to our traditions such as lobster dinners and family game nights - thank goodness we have an even number for teams. As you can see, even my dog likes it! My husband and I try to go up by ourselves once a year for a long weekend where we just relax and do things both together and apart. We’ll spend afternoons lounging at the beach (me under an umbrella) or he’ll get in some golf or fishing while I poke around town. Then we’ll rendezvous back at the house for a home cooked meal of fresh grilled swordfish and sweet island corn or go out to Chanticleer’s (see above) or Lola’s for sushi.

Photo of Prague via

Next Spot I'd Like to Visit

My husband would like to go to Hawaii because he prefers vacations where he can do things outside -golf, snorkle etc. Another option he likes is a ski vacation in the Rockies or Alps. Any more urban destinations that interest me like Prague or Barcelona I'll have to do with girlfriends!!

{photographer: patric shaw}

. . . positivity enchanted with these photographs by fashion photographer, patric shaw . . . the softness of light with its dreamy cast on every billowy pleat and ruche of delicate tulle, turning bare shoulders and cheekbones into gold, the insanely lovely pinkish lavender walls and the utterly perfect play of light and shadow . . .

{p.s.} the first dress is j.mendel & the second is chloé


{roza gough by patric shaw for vogue russia brides, S/S 2011 via oh fashion models}

Links a la Mode

Fashion: Forever Evolving

Edited by Collette Osuna of Statements in Fashion





Hello everyone! I'm super excited to be making my debut as an IFB Links a la Mode Editor this week. As I visited each link, I was reminded that each had the exact thing in common with the next, that Fashion is Forever Evolving.





From  your Mothers fashion advice, a beauty "how to" video, or a legendary  icons passing, fashion is always changing and taking form in a new  shape. I am constantly thriving to acquaint myself with the "fashion unfamiliar." This weeks links did just that for me. I'm thrilled to be a new member of the IFB family and cannot wait to see everyone's posts throughout the upcoming year!

Links à la Mode: March 31st

• Color Me Blue Fashion: The Lazy Girl's Guide To Style.
• Fashioned By Love: Carmen Dell'Orefice: Living Haute Couture
• Fashables: These Shoes Called My Name
• Fumiko Kawa: Redesigned Elle Homme shirt with clean cuts
• Interrobangs Anonymous: Feminism and the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Why Fashion Bloggers Should Love Instagram
• House in Tillford: Tips and tricks for getting the best bargains at designer warehouse sales
• Makeup & Jeans: A faux bronze look and entire glamorous face in 11 steps!
• Mallory in New York: Sephora Launches The World's First Unretouched Makeup Ad!
• Mrs. Bossa: Does Pink Stink? How colour-coding gives the wrong message about girls
• Relatively Chic: 25 Ways to Help Japan Through Fashion & Art
• Statements in Fashion: Weekend Jean Lover: From Drab to Fab
• http://www.stylingyou.com.au/blog/2011/03/fab-friday-style-tip-statement-rings/">Styling You: Statement rings: Why you should wear one while drinking champagne
• Sugar & Spice: Fashion and feminism: unlikely partners?
• The Citizen Rosebud: A touching tribute to the inspiration of ICON Elizabeth Taylor
• The Loudmouth: Big mouth, bigger hair: My hair timeline.
• The Simply Luxurious life: Eric Bompard - Cashmere Heaven
• The Styling Dutchman Fashion & Finding Myself
• Tickle Me Chic: The "Plastic Surgeons of digital media"
• Those Graces: I Got It from My Momma: Style Lessons My Mom Taught Me
• T Minus T Plus: Baby Steps into Pattern Mixing

SPONSOR:


Shopbop Sunglasses: DITA, Karen Walker, Retro sun, Tom Ford, Mosley Tribes, Ray-Ban, Phillip Lim, Marc Jacobs, Carrera, & Chloe

{décor inspiration: french chic}

. . . soaring ceilings and chevron floors, juliet balconies and a luxuriously grand and perfectly ornate gilt mirror, and most of all, the dusky, smokey, sexy french-ness of it all . . .


{image: south of market}

Suits for Travel - 1956

On Friday, I asked my Facebook fans what they'd like to see on the blog this week. Eleanor requested a post about vintage spring and summer suits for travel. They were so elegant! I'm with you Eleanor. I like to people-watch in airports and I'm always pleasantly surprised when I see a woman traveling in a suit. She looks so much more sophisticated than the majority who are wearing sweats and flip-flops. For your inspiration today, suits for travel from 1956.

Above, Handmacher gray flannel sheath dress with matching bolero jacket accented with a white linen collar. Sold for $70 in 1956 (about $570 in today's dollar.) Hat by Emme.

Davidow wool and mohair tweed suit with matching tasseled scarf. The jacket is belted. Sold for $150 in 1956 (about $1,220 in today's dollar.) Saddlebag styled purse by MacArthur.

David Crystal pale gray glen plaid suit in a rayon/Dacron blend. Dacron? That's polyester. This suit would resist wrinkling and be perfect for those long train trips. Sold for $40 in 1956 (about $325 in today's dollar.) Handbag by Josef.

Mr. Mort lightweight wool sheath dress in buttercup yellow paired with a plaid bolero jacket. Sold for $50 in 1956 (about $407 in today's dollar.) Bag by Maxwell Schill (me want!)

Swansdown wool suit with a bloused-back jacket for more ease during long trips. Sold for $60 in 1956 (about $488 in today's dollar.)

How do you dress for travel? Do you go for chic or do you prefer comfort?