1.31.2012

Changing Your Stripes

Harvey Faircloth via Fleur
Stripes are everywhere for Spring. Good old nautical inspired stripes: thick, thin, blue, white, red. Very American. Pick a piece and work it in with your old stuff; I especially love the Tibi look pairing the striped skirt with the patterned top. It’s flying in the face of those who panic at the thought of pairing different patterns. This is a perfect example of a flawless execution of pattern mixing. If that's too scary pairing stripes with a pop of color, hot pink or red or maybe a baby blue, is a much more subtle way to rock the trend. Striped accessories abound as well, and are such a fun way to mix in the trend without over-committing. 

Rebecca Minkoff from II Brunettes, adorable!

Obsessed with this Tibi swing jacket + the POP of color from Van Jean!
Perfection, Tibi, Van Jean

Precious Tory Burch espadrille from Monkee's Raleigh

Another fabulous basic from Monkee's
My absolute favorite, Alice + Olivia from Fleur
And more Harvey Faircloth, via Fleur

1.30.2012

Take A Tumble With Me



The Tory bag is perfection, add the amazing scarf to that sick Alice + Olivia blazer/bell bottoms combo and you. are. set.
I know, I know, I'm sure that outfit just made you black out. Refocus, and I'll tell you where to find it. These are some of the images from my new(est) obsession-BleuBelle Savannah's tumblr. I soooo don't really know what tumblr is, I can't even really figure out if I am supposed to be capitalizing Tumblr. My understanding is that at its most basic, tumblr is another platform for blogging. (I will let you know if I find out otherwise.) Anyhoo, I closely follow what's going on down at BleuBelle, Heather and the ladies there have impeccable style,  and their new blog has totally captivated me. Beautiful clothes, styling, etc. This is my favorite look, very much my style, but I have really loved seeing how they are styling things. It's always fun to see how someone else puts together a look, and how you can apply it to your own wardrobe (or just buy it from them and not think about it at all). I highly recommending taking a peek, and checking in with them on Facebook, they thankfully ship to just about any old place.


Ella Moss and Tory Burch, great Spring look

Vintage Louis from their Deja Bleu event. I can't.  
Perfectly Preppy
Milly Blazer & Bell Blouse with fab hot pink skinny Joe's. Oh, and Loubs. Duh.

Love this Waverly Grey skirt, with DVF top and oodles of necklaces.
That would be a Tory Burch leather jacket. Swoon. 

1.27.2012

Birthday Soiree Decor Galore




Above are some pics from the lovely dinner party recently given for my dear friend Stephanie and me for our 30th birthday. Our parents really outdid themselves, and it was a really wonderful evening. Our friend and exceptionally talented artist Kathy Reece did the flowers and décor, and as usual, she went above and beyond. It was altogether fantastic. Below are some photos courtesy of one of my favorite magazines, Garden & Gun, of another 30th birthday celebration. This one is for one of the sisters of The Savory Sister, which makes gourmet cheese wafers out of Columbia, SC. They transformed an old garage into this beautiful saffron-lit barn setting using antiques, re-purposed items, and some strands of old Christmas lights. What a lovely and creative place to have a party. It inspires one to look at space in a different way.  






1.26.2012

Balboa + Towne & Reese


Some of you may have already seen this on the Facebook page, but it’s definitely worth a second look. This is one of my favorite birthday gifts; the Sydney Necklace, born of a collaboration between Balboa Jewelry and Towne & Reese in Charlotte. The Sydney Necklace was created to honor Balboa co-founder Sydney Boone Gaylord, who passed away in 2011; all of the proceeds from the necklace will be donated to KinderMourn. KinderMourn provides services for families experiencing the death of a child and children grieving the death of a family member or friend. This organization has provided support for Sydney’s children, and helps many families dealing with similar situations. Children need such a huge network of support in coping with loss, organizations like KinderMourn are critical in helping fill the gaps that parents and family can’t while dealing with their own grieving process. I can’t think of a more cheerful symbol to honor a loved one lost. I love mine!
They are available at Charlotte’s in Raleigh, as well as through the Towne & Reese website




1.25.2012

Your Next Shoe: Charlotte Olympia

My new shoe obsession of late has been London-based brand Charlotte Olympia. Designed by Cordwainers-trained "It Girl" Charlotte Olympia Dellal, her shoes all have an inherent sense of vintage glamour reminiscent of old Hollywood screen sirens. While she does the occasional flat, including the adorably playful "Kitty" smoking flat in bright green below (Pre-Fall on pre-order at Moda Operandi) , her pumps and wedges are to die for. Most sport a signature 2-inch platform, often in gold. In my opinion she's the second coming of Jimmy Choo. Her styles are outfit-makers: a black dress and those nude "Dolly" slingbacks and you're good to go. 















1.20.2012

Friday Fave!

The 31 Hour Bag, images via Barneys
Today's Friday Favorites is going to be a Friday Favorite. I am drooling over the new 31 Hour bag from Phillip Lim. I am a big bag person, as in I like really, absurdly large bags. This one is designed for people just like me. The 31 Hour bag concept is for someone who needs their bag to get them through more than just a 24-hour day. You could fit a wardrobe change AND a pair of shoes in this bad boy. Or for people who are slightly more sane (read: responsible) than I, it's got plenty of room for your iPad, planner, makeup bag, etc. It's got a great, distinctive shape, the colors are so strong (I favor the white, although I have seen some cool 2-tone versions online); I think it's the new bag to have.

Van Jean (thank you, as always,  for bringing this bag to my attention) in Columbia has the 31 Hour bag-although I imagine they're going to sell out fast. Vermillion in Raleigh is expecting theirs soon, call them to inquire. Perfect wardrobe addition for those in the new bag market. 



















1.18.2012

Re-Furbish


Last weekend on a Starbucks outing with my dear mother, we took a slight detour down to the new space that home furnishings mecca Furbish is occupying. They have moved from the tiny little bungalow on Glenwood to a large warehouse space closer to downtown and Glenwood South; I say warehouse lovingly, as the room vignettes that pack Furbish’s space feel like anything but a warehouse. It’s an ambitious expansion for Furbish, and they have hit the nail on the head. It’s a color/pattern/cozy explosion. They have such a great mix of “forever” pieces and fabulous wild accents that can be the centerpiece of a room. The store was opened about 2 years ago by Jamie Meares, who also writes the popular blog “I Suwanee” (Southern, no?). Furbish also does full design work for people who need a highly trained eye to help them out. They also have great gift items: candles, jewelry, some really fantastic coffee table books. It’s such a warm place, and honestly, I go into textile overload there-so many gorgeous fabrics and over-sized chairs. If they would let me I would move in. If you haven’t been by yet, you must. My mother complained the whole way, and then thanked me on the way out. (You did.) Not only that but You. Can. Shop. On. Line. Yes, you can shop their awesome website. You are welcome. 


Furbish Studio
312 W. Johnson Street
Raleigh, NC 27603

Phone: 919.521.9481
Email: info@furbishstudio.com
Hours:  Tues-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-4 and by appointment












Obsessed.  
Love the spots-so cute for a little girls room


You could do SOOO much with these chairs
Hilarious

 

design + development by kelly christine studio