9.29.2011

Hippie Chick


Rae Francis is giving us a little sneak peak into their Spring '12 lookbook. I'm crazy about their retro-boho stylings for their upcoming spring collection. Now, while I know that I am too old and too fat to wear crop tops, I love these and I will totally wear them with a super high-waist jean or layered with a light cami. The romper is amazing; it will be perfect with sandals or with a chunky necklace and heels for going out. I can't wait for these looks to hit stores. On a side note, Ariel and Christina, the ladies of Rae Francis are opening up a pop-up style store called Wanderers, which will soon open in Palm Beach. 









9.28.2011

The Lady In Red


Tibi's exquisite "Imperial Lace Boatneck Dress". Stunning in color and construction. It's perfectly lady-like, but yet, you're still the Lady in Red. You can belt and accessorize your way into several looks with this dress. And look at how fabulous is looks with Tibi's Satin Bow Mary Janes I raved about a few posts ago!  


Via Tibi.com, $517






9.27.2011

Cashmere Cocoon

Sweater, Bop Basics, via Shopbop

This great cashmere sweater (Snuggie?) from Shopbop is a perfect wardrobe addition for Fall. I love it as pictured with the leather pants (suede leggings anyone??) or with a pair of jeans (skinny or bell) or some J Brand cords. I think it could be cool belted and bloused over a skirt. It comes in some great neutral colors, and at $295-for cashmere-it's a great, versatile piece. 

Feeling Funky

Steve Madden Gaayle

I'm kind of liking the retro-inspired looks from Steve Madden for Fall. A lotttttt of platform suede situations. Both of these are right around $100. There's a lot of the 70's look going around. Chunky heels, bell bottoms, corduroy,  hippie hair...I personally love it. I've been told I am hippie-esque. I think both of these options would be great with big old bell bottoms, BUT I think you could throw them on with a great pencil skirt and wear them to the office!
Steven by Steve Madden Cathi

Both are via Piperlime!

9.26.2011

Stylish Stingray


This line Leighelena, from Austin, Texas is one of my newest obsessions. A few months ago I found one of these cuffs at a friend's house and immediately attempted to steal it. I'm a big fan of stingray, I love it's unique texture-it's a very tactile leather. She also does a thinner double-wrap version which I love and think is a bit funkier. The designer, Leigh Navarro makes her entire enamel line by hand, and these cool pendants come in two lengths. I love the idea of doing several of them at once, similar to how they're displayed here. She also adds a little signature vintage postage stamp on each piece, a tradition she began to honor her grandfather who started a stamp collection for her as a child. Leigh has recently opened a store in Austin, and is being carried in numerous boutiques. 

You can visit the store in Austin: 
1215 Corona Drive
Austin, Texas 
78723

or visit her website:






9.25.2011

Not Quite Ruby Slippers

Via Net-a-Porter
 These glitter-encrusted booties from Miu Miu make me smile. A little reminiscent of Dorothy's ruby slippers, no? I love the warm pops of color with the suede trims. They would be fantastic with a simple dress to add some glam. 

Via Saks

9.23.2011

Furry Floor


If you told me I would be recommending fur for your floor, I probably wouldn't believe you. I don't know that it sounds like something I'd be a fan of. But I think this "antelope" rug has changed my mind. Seeing it in the room above, I realize it has a very soothing effect. It's a fantastic neutral, and honestly, probably hides dirt pretty well. I think it adds a modern sophistication to this little nook. It's available at Eatman's here in Raleigh, and can be done in any size. 


Little Bow Peep


This Bowknot Pocket Shiftdress from BHLDN is absolutely stunning. I am a huge fan of the marigold color-I think that almost anyone can wear it. This dress is so simple, but yet totally a statement dress. Not to mention, it's a great price coming in well below $300! It is perfect for an upcoming October wedding in Charleston. BHLDN.com is a fantastic resource for wedding needs, from bridal to wedding guest; if you haven't seen it you MUST check it out, it's a very Anthropolie-esque site and feel with some really extraordinary pieces. 





9.22.2011

Taigan It To The Streets

Hobe Gold Mesh Cuff
Get out of here with this. I love this so much I don't even know what to say. This vintage gold Hobe mesh cuff is courtesy of vintage jewelry dealer House of Lavande in Palm Beach. If you don't know about the Taigan website, it's definitely worth checking out. It's a collection of boutiques all curated by Julia Reed (they also have a blog called "Fetch"-as Taigan is a dog), who has been a contributing editor to Vogue, among other publications. 
Peruse the amazing finds at House of Lavande here:

1960s Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane. Stunning

Quintessentially Stylish


If you are from the Raleigh area and have ever had to make a purchase from a bridal registry, then you are probably familiar with Quintessentials. It has been a mainstay in the gift and bridal niche here in town, and in the past two years has gotten a refreshing facelift! Raleigh native Kristen Anderson decided to relocate the store (but only a few doors away in North Hills) and expand the space and their offerings. 
The new space is open and bright, with walls of china and crystal, and gorgeous vignettes styled with the utmost care and style. I have absolutely loved walking by their windows to check out the ever-changing table settings.One of my favorite traditions Kristen has carried into the new space are the bridal registry displays; a place setting is done and accompanied with a place card with the bride and groom's name on it. I love that you can walk through and actually see everyone's setting and can compare and contrast what different brides are doing. Quintessentials carries a wide assortment of gift items as well, from hostess gifts to great gift ideas for your beau or dad, etc. I LOVE the Bird Dog Bay line of ties (and other boy things like boxers and bowties) they have added; they collar stays are packaged in real shotgun shell casings and you have to look at this adorable page on their website entitled "things Gus ate". If you haven't seen the new space it is certainly worth the visit, and they have even done a fabulous website so you can shop online with Quintessentials as well. 

Visit them:
Quintessentials at the Alexan at North Hills
4209 Lassiter Mill Road Suite 119
Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone: 919.785.0787
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm




Brides take note: Great Walls of China

The men's corner
Silver Spoons
Gorgeous, gorgeous gorgeous Stingray Cuffs
Reed and Barton Baby Fork and Spoon

Bird Dog Bay Gold-Plated Collar Stays. In an actual shotgun shell. How manly!


9.21.2011

Love Those Mary Janes


Check out Tibi's Fall shoe collection. I must say, I think that Tibi doesn't always nail it with the shoes (although they haven't done shoes for that long), I am pretty much in love with what they've done for fall. I've posted about the red bootie with bow before but I am CRAZY about the black satin t-strap Mary Jane. I think that would look amazing with everything from a cocktail look to skinny jeans! View these and the rest of the Tibi collection on their website:
http://www.tibi.com/shop/shoes

9.20.2011

Leather Leggings!


So I've sort of been obsessed with the suede leggings that I've seen for the past two seasons. This season will apparently be no different. My favorite, the most fabulous in my opinion, are these insane goat suede leggings in bronze by Vince. They're on pre-order right now at saks.com, but at almost $1000 they seem to be slightly unattainable at the moment. Although my heart feels very strongly that they are worth it; like I think they'd probably change your life. Now, in a very close second I give you the Alice + Olivia version. This is the chocolate suede version, the black suede is in store at Gena Chandler right now; I have tried them on, the fit is incredible-so comfy yet more flattering than you would ever think. And the Alice + Olivia version is definitely (in the warped reality of fashion) much more affordable at $598. They are fabulous. 



Peachy Pout


NARS is one of my all-time favorite makeup lines. I'm sure everyone has at least heard of, if not been a loyal devotee of, their infamously named blush Orgasm. Another one of my favorite staples is this peachy hued combo: their best-selling lip gloss Chelsea Girls in tandem with the Fantasia lip liner. I hate lipstick, but these two are so light I don't get the gunky lipstick feeling (or the hair stuck to lips situation). I have literally had to share this with an entire bridal party before because everyone was so obsessed with the color. NARS is at most of the big cosmetic places and if you're in Columbia, POUT on Devine also carries NARS and other fabulous cosmetic lines. 



9.19.2011

Pants



You must get these pants. I got these pants. They are perfect. J Crews Pixie Pant. Ponte material and a little zip up the back AND they're $88. They really are perfection. They come in gray and olive as well. I'm definitely getting another pair. 



9.16.2011

Fall Threads


Check out this adorable Fall flier from Pinecone Threads! Look at the giraffe tee!!!! LOVE! I saw one of the rompers last weekend and it was absolutely precious. Everything is handmade and eco-conscious AND great prices. 


Visit their Etsy shop:
www.pineconethreads.etsy.com

9.13.2011

More Missoni Mania

These are some of the fruits of a 5 AM Target trip. I'm currently not speaking to this "friend" who says that the fit is "surprisingly on the mark" and that she also got a bikini, chevron mugs, and appetizer plates online early. But she's still bitter that the luggage was $200. Sigh.

Targopolypse!



AHAHAHA!!! Missoni has crashed the Target website! I've gotten texts, etc. all morning from crazies (you know who you are) that were there at 6 AM. Apparently our local Tarjay has been ransacked. I hope everyone that got there early had great success, and I hope they get the website up ASAP darn it!

Down Home Texas



This über-cool San Antonio home of decorator Gwenn Griffith comes straight from one of my favorite design mags, Elle Decor. While this home may be a little dark when taken as a whole for my tastes, there are a few elements I just think are amazing. The home is a former industrial space the designer has transformed over several years. My first obsession is this romantic almost Gothic zinc bathtub with the dramatic chandelier hovering above it. What an amazing place to relax.


This room is another example of an interesting use of scale; the dozens of paintings on the wall are in great contrast to the floor-to-ceiling windows and huge ceiling orbs (???) (And does anyone else think that the 3-legged side table is the same one they payed a fortune for on Million Dollar Decorator?)




And finally, this screened in porch is so Southern, but so modern. It's chic but cozy. I imagine it's a great respite from the 175 degree Texas heat!

9.12.2011

That's A Wrap

Elizabeth Shirt $190
 I LOVE this adorable line Charlotte's has picked up by Elizabeth McKay. I absolutely love the prints and cuts. As a Clemson fan, both the orange and the tiger prints are perfect for Game Day.  I have to say I have tried on the Scotland Wrap Dress and the cut is extremely flattering (the ruffle neckline is exquisite), AND it comes with two belt options (as you can see below). You could even change it out for a gold or leather belt you already have to change it up. The pieces have great fit, great price, and come in a variety of colors and prints. I kind of want to be the girl in the pictures. Their tailgate looks a lot more sophisticated than mine. Charlotte's in Cameron Village is having a trunk show September 22-24 where you can buy these looks or special order your favorite in different color options!!!

Scotland Wrap Dress
Scotland Wrap Dress $260
Lindsey Dress $240


 

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