to tutu or not to tutu?

i enjoyed some much-needed girl time this weekend, catching up with my pal caitlin on saturday. before brunching at my favorite—southport grocery—we popped into anthropologie where i spotted a few gems. namely...

the tutu | the bib | the wishbone

im normally not a huge fan of bib necklaces, but this one by pam hiran is something special. the wishbone is meant to be a jewelry holder, but i love it as just a decorative token. something whimsical and shiny on display. but the real item of the hour is that tulle treat: the tutu skirt. i grabbed it as soon as i saw it and think it's quite fabulous. perfect for cocktail events, holiday parties, and whenever else i feel like dressing up. i was pleasantly surprised to see it got a great response on instagram. of course i'm not sure it would be the most practical purchase, but it's been two days and i'm still thinking about it.

so readers, i ask, to tutu or not to tutu? that is the question.

Browline Sunnies

Saw this lovely photo of SFGirlByBay's Victoria Smith taken by the talented Kimberly Genevieve (an Everygirl photographer!) and it reaffirmed my desire for a pair of sunglasses I spotted at Anthropologie on my last visit.

The browline sunnies are reasonably priced at $42, so the question is not whether to get them but which color do I get?

BHLDN Comes to Chicago

Today Anthropologie's sophisticated, wedding-savvy sister BHLDN (pronounced Beholden) opens the doors of its second storefront here in Chicago. My Everygirl partner-in-crime, Danielle, and I attended the opening party last night. We floated around the rooms, sipping champagne, pointing out the beautiful items, and chit-chatting with friends. Just like the Anthropologie stores, no detail was overlooked in designing the space. The architecture, the furniture, the paint colors - everything flawlessly fit into the whimsical yet elegant look for which BHLDN is known.

The highlight of the evening was getting to meet one of my idols, Darcy Miller, editor of Martha Stewart Weddings. Talk about inspiring talent. After explaining to her about the launch of The Everygirl, she relayed the story of how she started her own business in college but her parents made her get a "real job" for a year before once again starting off on her own. Fast-forward however many years later, and now she's Martha's #2.

All in all, it was a great night and I cannot wait to get back to the store to try on the various baubles, dresses, and shoes I fell in love with. Although, fashion aside, the number one items on my BHLDN wishlist are the pink and jadeite cake stands. The colors and shape are just too perfect. How could any stylist not want them in their life on a more permanent basis?

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Brighter Days Ahead

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Thank you to everyone who commented yesterday on my goals for the year! It was exciting for me to see what all of you have planned and how many of us are hoping to accomplish similar things. Paris and cooking seem to be popular on the to-do list for 2012. Wouldn't it be fun to take a French cooking class in Paris? Le sigh...

A couple of you asked about goal #2: how I plan to incorporate brights into my home. It's a little tricky in that I don't plan on making any large purchases for my apartment this year (would rather save up for Paris), so the white and neutral furniture will be staying the same. This is where accessories come into play. The easiest and most affordable way to de-whiten my home are by incorporating colorful kitchenware, home accents like lighting and art, and bright textiles. And how spectacular would that brass pendant from Urban Outfitters look in my already color-saturated office (supes affordable to boot)? Speaking of which, I should add that as another little goal for the year: learn to switch out ceiling lights. Any tips or tutorials?

Run, Don't Walk, to Anthropologie's 50% Sweater Sale Today!

You heard right! Anthropologie is offering 50% off all full-priced sweaters and outwear today and tomorrow. Their colorful and textured sweaters make the perfect Christmas gift for friends, sisters, moms, girlfriends - pretty much any woman in your life! As you can see, I've created quite the wish list for myself... that striped blush and tan number is number one on my list (to wear with my green pants, of course).

1 | 2 | 3

4 | 5 | 6

7 | 8 | 9

Happy Holiday Shopping Weekend, everyone!

Frollicking in Fields of Green

wearing red shoes...

oversized plaid...

and her cropped sweater.

Love it all. I really need to get my fall weekends in order and jump on the frollicking in fields, pumpkin patch, corn maze, apple-picking bandwagon!

Fashion vs Furnishings | 5.20.11

 blouse | table cloth

THE CHALLENGE:

The perfect summer blouse: lightweight and sexy,

or the perfect summer tabletop topper: striped and casual.

You have $98. Which would you buy?

see sources for the last fashion vs. furnishings here

The Look for Less: ordinal chest of drawers

I fell in love with the before and after project I saw on Ikea's blog in which a designer took the Rast chest of drawers that retails for $29.99 and made it over, adding paint, new hardware, and stenciled numbers. It reminded me of the ordinal chest of drawers Anthropologie sells for $998, more than 30 times the cost of the Ikea DIY. A chest of drawers is one of the most versatile items for a home, working as a nightstand, entryway table, dresser, TV stand, or office storage, and unfortunately costs upwards of $100 at most retailers. Considering you can get such a unique looking piece at such a low cost, why spend more?

Fashion vs Furnishings | 1.28.11

bag | letter

THE CHALLENGE:

A monogram to tote around

or a monogram to spruce up those bookshelves?

You have $20. Which do you buy?

Anthropologically Speaking

The styling, photography, and graphic presentation of Anthropologie's new spring line have sent me into sensory overload. Everything is b-e-a-utiful! Clearly the photographer is a god among men, but my hat's also off to the graphic designers. The black film reel amplifies the vibrant colors of the clothes and scenery, adding a bold, edgy look to their typically neutral, toned-down graphics. And as expected, the clothes are as delicious as the presentation. Cheers to you, stylists. I'd gladly add any of these colorful, feminine frocks to my spring wardrobe. But since I can't buy it all, I choose...

...these two.

grey jacket + polka dot dress = happy dance

What items caught your eye? If you say none, I know you're lying, and no one likes a liar.

10 Things That Make Me Happy

My dear friend, Caitlin of Sacramento Street, asked me to share 10 Things That Make Me Happy on her blog today. Here's a sneak peak; a few things look familiar, yes? You can see links, prices, and why I chose these items (and six more things that make me happy) by clicking over to Sacramento Street. At the very least, you might get a few great gift ideas!


In other news, I put up my Christmas tree and added white drapes to my living room over the weekend! Pictures will come in a week or so. Stay tuned!

Fashion vs Furnishings | 11.12.10

Want to know a secret? I've had a crap week. Absolute. Crap.

I didn't - and don't - want to go into it, because this blog serves to inspire with all things happy and beautiful and good. I want to keep it that. My happy place.

But this weekend, I plan on coping with a bit of retail therapy. A razzle dazzle blazer to brighten my mood, and some words of encouragement to pin on my inspiration board as a daily reminder that this sh*t too, shall pass.

And thank you, Paloma and Erin. Once again you've provided more inspiration and motivation than perhaps you realized. Happy Weekend, all!

blazer | pin

LCY SHOPS: One Short Day in the Emerald City

I was born and will likely die a devoted yellow girl, but recently, I cannot get enough emerald! I think I need to add a touch to my wardrobe or home for the changing seasons.

1. Kate Spade dress | 2. Elva Fields necklace | 3. Kate Spade bracelet | 4. Diane von Furnstenburg flats | 5. Hunter Wellington boots

1. Chantal tea kettle | 2. Crane stationary | 3. Anthropologie chair | 4. Iomoi coasters | 5. Baccarat glasses

Fashion vs Furnishings 9.3.10

Prepare for chilly days ahead...

Anthropologie Jacket

Feminine ruffles to keep you stylish in the cold.

$128

Pottery Barn Faux Fur Throw

Sit back, pop in a movie, and cloak yourself in soft on a cool fall night.

$149

THE CHALLENGE:

You have $150. Which do you buy?

Fashion or furnishings?

*Note: this is not what you would advise me to do, this is what YOU would do if you had to choose one.

My Kind of Investment

It's moments like these when I wish I owned my own home versus renting one. That way an investment in one of these beautiful wallpapers from Anthropologie would be well worth it. And I could have a small magical entryway. Or powder room. Or hallway. Or some other tiny space that I'd be able to wallpaper without going into massive debt. What would you choose? British countryside? Flower mural? Vintage florals? Or a Parisian fair?

Side by Side: Striped dresses

Granted they are my two favorite places to shop for clothes, but I was a bit surprised and a little disappointed at the unoriginality in how similar these grey striped dresses are from Anthropologie and J.Crew. But once I looked at the cut and details of both, I absolutely, without a doubt, prefer one over the other. Do you have a favorite?

If Christmas Came in April...

...these items would be on my wish list.

In other words, Alaina has blogger's block today and can't think of what to post. So here are some random goodies!

For me

DVF African Sugar-print Bag

In your dreams, A. - says my subconcious

Jelly Thora

Have these. Love these.

ZigZag Earrings

created by a Chicago jewelry designer and they're zig zag. what's not to love?

Lois Dress

ooo lala perfection

Chino Shorts in fun colors

to spice up my collection of black tops

Hoola Bronzer by Benefit

because I pinky swore to myself I'd keep my skin out of sun (less than I used to)

Lip Slip

I have this - it's the bomb diggity.

Kate Spade makeup case

for the gagillion weekend trips I'll be taking to see friends and family wed

For my home

Vintage Keys

to hang on my black wall

Sun-tipped Silverware

to replace my 40-pieces for $50 Target collection

SATC bookmarks

because I need to get through some more books this summer and because I am SO psyched for the sequel

Stripey Straws

for drinking lemonade

French Ferris Wheel

like the scene in The Notebook : )

What's on your summer wish list?