Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Hung by the Fire with Care

Today I finished up my holiday shopping, with the exception of the remaining stocking stuffers I need. I have fond memories of waking up, running to my stocking and immediately sifting through all the small goodies. It remains as one of my favorite things about the holiday, and I can only hope this year's is filled to the brim and lives up to my anticipation. Here are some of my favorite things from my "stockings past".

The Stockings Were Hung With Care
(image via flickr)

*bright colored nail polishes
*lottery scratch offs (preferably winners)
*candy flavored Chapstick
*magazine subscriptions
*new additions to my (now old) charm bracelet
*Sanrio gum packs, pencils, and erasers
*my favorite candy (laffy taffy, sour gummies, and almond joy)

P.S Most of these I'd take for this year too. Some things never change.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Rain Rain Go Away

The past several days, for what feels like a week, the rain has been coming down non-stop. I'm always impressed when someone is dressed beautifully in this type of weather, especially since my first inclination is to bundle up in a hoodie and avoid going out entirely. Each photo has a detail I love: #1's turban hair cover-up, #2's stunning metallic coat, #3's vibrant trench coats and #4's WWD (I assume) as an umbrella replacement.

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images from: buffalo rising
, lane crawford, bruring.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Hanging Souvenirs

I know I'm biased, but I'm certain our Christmas tree is the most beautiful one out there. Perhaps its the excitement of it being our very first one (as grown-ups). As rookies we're beaming with pride every time we flip the lights on. We went with a silver and blue color story for the basic ornaments, but here's a glimpse at some of the other items on the tree. Each with it's own little story for now... and years to come.

firstree
*the saved tag from the tree lot,
eventually I plan on putting it in a tiny frame*

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*motion picture film as a fun substitute to garland*
(the cinematographer boyfriend contribution)

butterfly
*gifted butterfly (my favorite) ornaments from Mom*


Tuesday, December 14, 2010

White/Black Out

There's certain colors that seem to overtake our closets more than others. I'd say mine contains far too much black, which got me wishing for its opposite, winter white, to pair it with. I've put together these photos as inspiration for a minimalistic color scheme. Ranging from a snow angel to a girl covered in knits, each sticks to pure white and stark black as her colors of choice.

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images via lookbook (here, here, here, here)

Monday, December 13, 2010

Dessert for Two

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A dessert in the oven is one of my favorite things, but when both parties are working all day it's not the fairest expectation to have during the week. With some leftover cans of pie filling (cherry and apple) and pre-made crust in the refrigerator, I compiled some mini-pies in just minutes and popped them in the oven until the crust was flaky and golden. The ramekins were the perfect individual portion size, and I can't wait to make some chicken pot pies with them next.

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Sunday, December 12, 2010

Seasonal Mix

It's a strange thing when the weather constantly changes day by day (instead of by season). Each morning a quick weather check is required at an open door, a habit I've gotten quite used to. The mash-up of summer weather (shorts) and fall fashion (tights, blazer & boots) made for this finished look. The cream tights and vintage blazer share the same herringbone pattern, and I was more than pleased with the tiny coincidence as I sat among the leaves.

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(Vintage blazer, French Connection top, Express shorts,
Love Culture lace-up boots and Gap tights)

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Thursday, December 9, 2010

Cup of Good Cheer

I've been meaning to pick up some rum to spike my holiday eggnog, but these cocktails ( found all around the web) have me second guessing whether that's the best way to go. Festive in both name and presentation, they're great options for your imminent Christmas gathering. And if you aren't planning on putting your hostess hat on this time around, sip on one during a leisurely night-in with the flannel pajamas you got last year under the tree. You know the ones.

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AppleSnowball
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(see links for recipe and source)

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Midweek Muse: Carey Mulligan

Midweek boosts of inspiration are always encouraged in my book, since Wednesday's aren't the pinnacle of excitement (like a much anticipated Friday). I've chosen Carey Mulligan as my muse for this week. Her classic and minimalistic style continuously catches my attention no matter where her picture is taken. And her signature pixie cut only adds to her charm. Plus, I love that she used to frequent my neighborhood cafe. I may or may not have taken a couple paparazzi-esque snapshots of her, but I'll never tell.

carey-mulligan-burberry-handbag carey-mulligan
*on set*

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*in the pages of Vogue*

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*on the red carpet*

images via Just Jared, People, Vogue, sheknows

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Tips for Thrifting

all size fits one.

Whenever I have a simple, no-plans sort of day, I jump at the chance to go thrifting. The thrill of the hunt gets me giddy with excitement, but I know there's a lot of you who lack my enthusiasm. It can be an overwhelming experience, and there are times when I leave with nothing but an urgency to wash my hands in Purell. My hope is that some of my tips will help the next time you give it a go.

Look for color trends
It's easy to get lost in endless racks of clothing, but pinpoint a few colors you know are on-trend, classics, or lacking in your closet. Most stores organize by color, so use that to your advantage.

Example: During my last trip, I left with some camel trousers, a blush pink cardigan and silk button-up. Color success!

Know the return policy
Take the extra step to ask if your items are eligible for return at the checkout. Don't get bogged down with questions like "Will this work in my space? "Do I have a shoe to pair with this?" Take it home with you, and see if it fits with your decor or completes an outfit.

Trust your instincts
It caught your eye for a reason, so go with it!

Tailoring is key
My experience goes to show that 7 times out of 10, I have to make an alteration. Whether it's bringing in a waistband, raising a hemline, replacing some ugly buttons, or removing some shoulder pads, take the time to add those finishing touches for an updated and polished look.

(image via flickr)

Monday, December 6, 2010

Fancy-Pants

Throughout the week, I'm quick to pull on a pair of jeans for a casual daytime look. As much as I'll always be a jeans and tee kind of gal, there's no harm in expanding my pant options for covering up during these colder months. Today's selection displays a champagne to caramel color scheme of trousers. Each has it's own bit of charm in the details: #2's high waisted side straps, #3's gathered ankle and ties , and #5, a boot-cut cord with some patched pockets.

trousers

1. See by Chloe Pleated Pants (Bloomingdales) @ $295
2. Side Strap Trousers (Mango) @ $69.90
3. Ankle Tied Crepe Pants (Urban Outfitters) @ $194.00
4. Linley chino (J.Crew) @ $79.50
5. Bootcut Cords (Topshop) @ $85.00

Monday, November 29, 2010

Out & About: An Anchorage Holiday

After a red-eye flight and an accompanying cold I caught a day earlier, it's safe to say I'm glad to be back home. My trip to Anchorage for the holiday was filled with seeing friends from my past (3rd grade), driving down memory lane to see my childhood houses, waking up to fresh snow on the ground, and a certain dessert that's become a classic in my mom's kitchen. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday as well!

dogwalking
*morning dog walk in the fresh snow*

bridge
*a picturesque view of a frozen creek and bridge*

stockings
*an antique shop: a combination of old and new*

trees
*upside down trees, miniature trees, and aluminum trees*

ornaments
*vintage ornaments to go along with a fresh tree*

pavlova
*Mom's famous pavlova*

coffee
*drive through coffee huts strewn all across town*

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Fresh Mango

After walking past a Mango store the other day, I knew I would regret not taking a moment to shop around. Once time was on my side, their online store proved to have an ample mix of slouchy dresses, caramel handbags, and fresh blues. There's something truly classic and minimalistic with the brand's seasonal palette. Also, the added belts, tights and footwear should not go unnoticed as far as their styling.

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(click images for site links)

Monday, November 22, 2010

Shades of Grey

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These winter days transform far too soon into dark nights with the daylight savings time. It's hard to believe that November is coming to a close, and Christmas is quickly approaching. This monochromatic outfit seems to take note from the sudden grey skies, and debuts my latest addition to my sweater collection. The skirt and shirt might look familiar since they were featured in my very first outfit post. By adding a sweater and some tights, it's a fresh, fall take on some closet oldie's.

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Zara sweater, Silence and Noise tank and skirt,
Banana Republic pumps and belt, Hue tights,
Nine West crossbody,
& French Connection scarf
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Friday, November 19, 2010

Fashion Foodie

This weekend I'm going to attempt one of these recipes. I'm not sure which one will strike my fancy, but whether it's sweet or savory I know the winning recipe will be delicious from the looks of these photos (@ Epicurious). Since fashion is the name of the game with this blog, I'm pairing the dishes with a stylish ensemble (found @ lookbook.nu).Whether it's Mayo nibbling on a rhubarb tart or a hearty chili on the stove for Frida, I can't help but imagine them as cooks in their own kitchen.

 

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