Decor Challenge: Finding The Right Rug

I am loving this ikat rug featured on One Kings Lane. I've been keeping my eye out for something like this, but in my head it's more like an Oriental rug but in navys and creams. Does that exist?? OK, so yes, see below, but that's got to be a once in a lifetime find right? (Besides probably costing a fortune.) But that's what I want, something with that heavy, worn in hand with a vintage look. Rugs are tough. They're an unexpectedly expensive investment in many cases. I like the idea of a rug adding personality or pattern or texture to a room while keeping the furniture clean and simple. I think it gives a sense of space. I like the chevron look you see a lot of as well, but I don't know if it quite has the character I am envisioning. It's fun to look, and as we all know, someone has already had the same idea you have and put it on Pinterest, so there's plenty of inspiration out there. 

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

How To Fake A Romper

Gorgeous Anya Hindmarch patent tote from Vermillion, holds everything!

More detail shots from the Style Syllabus feature! Just so ya know the Shop is being featured on Style Syllabus today, so mosey on over for the discount code and check out some of the new items! 

I love this look, I call it my faux-romper-it's actually a Lauren Moffatt top and shorts from Fleur that gives a romper-vibe when paired up. To make it work for the office I throw on my navy J Crew blazer (an absolute wardrobe necessity) and sky-high platform sandals by Jerome Rousseau. The best part is that since it's actually not a romper, you can break down the top and shorts and wear them about a million other ways. Below is the Rag & Bone sweater dress with the gray Balenciaga bag, both from Vermillion. My suede peep-toe wedges were a friggin' steal from DSW, and happen to be super comfortable. A great outfit for power shopping!

  

White On White

More details from the Style Syllabus feature. I'm a huge fan of white on cream, white on white, white on beige, whatever. It's very Summer, very safari-chic to me. These linen DVF pants have served me well; they have great tailored detail at the waist and a great flowy leg. If you don't own one of the Blythe blouses from J Crew, duh, go get one. (Get five.) Probably my favorite wardrobe staple. I'm also rocking the most insane Michele Watch from Charlotte's (and my beloved Jennifer Zeuner Love bracelet also from Charlotte's). If you can't afford a vintage Rolex (dream wish list)-this is the next best thing! Lastly are my Ippolita-inspired Give A Penny bangles available in the Shop. 

Maxi Style

Here are some of the detail shots from the feature on Style Syllabus, I'll be posting some of the others this week. I have to thank my very sweet and very patient photographers Karla and Maury, who probably never want to say, "no, your arm doesn't look fat" ever again. (I will say though, it's taken me 30 years, but pop that elbow and your arm really does lose photo weight). Also, as a style note here, the Tibi Arizona maxi skirt in this shot is on SALE at Monkee's of Raleigh right now, as well as some other fab finds. 

KJL hoop earrings and bangles from Charlotte's

New Additions

New!!! New stuff in the store! So excited about the newest pieces we've gotten from Give A Penny! If you haven't popped over to Shop, check it out! We've gotten more of the sellout bangles in stock-in new colors-NC State fans, the coral is for you (as much as it pains me). 

Troubadour Fall '12

I'm soo not ready for the end of summer, but seeing collections like this make the thought of a chill in the air OK. The Fall '12 collection from Troubadour, designed by UNC grad and Southern native Lindsey Carter, makes me weepy. Piece by piece and as a whole it is stunning. I can't wait to get my hands on some of the peplum tops and pair them with skinny jeans. Gorgeous, dramatic bow blouses dot the collection, adding architectural interest to the clean lines of shift dresses and pencil skirts. Don't get me started with the fur-the peach colored blouse with the misty gray short sleeve piece??? Yes, please. I can't wait to see the rest of the collection/buy everything and sit at home looking really fabulous. 

Shop Troubadour at both Fleur and in SC Van Jean (two of my faves)

Get Glam This Weekend

Happy Friday all! It has been one of those never-ending summer weeks, but we made it! If you happen to be out and about and looking for something to do in Raleigh this weekend, might I a make a suggestion? The third annual All Dolled Up event will be held this Saturday (June 23rd) (BTW JUNE 23rd???? WHERE DID JUNE GO?) from 3-8 pm downtown at Spy. This even will benefit Dress for Success Triangle NC, a most worthy cause whose mission is to outfit and mentor women aspiring to enter the workforce. I've had the chance to participate in some of the other events for Dress for Success in the past, and have always been so moved by what they do for women. My FAVORITE hairstylist extraordinaire Dawn Carrington of Glam Lounge will be at All Dolled Up, along with stylist and makeup artist Debra Goodyear providing beautification services as part of the event! Dawn is stunning(as evidenced by the pictures below) and the sweetest person, every time she's changed her hair over the years I have been convinced I need to copy her-and being the hair genius and psychologist that she is, has always convinced me of the opposite. (She's right, I am not responsible enough for bangs.) She is also a new mom to the most precious baby girl. 

Tickets for All Dolled Up get you a choice of three pampering services such as hair styling from Glam or a manicure or facial. It's a pretty indulgent afternoon or evening treat for a great cause! 

"Women helping women is a beautiful thing with proven potential for powerful change, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate seven years as the owner and founder of Glam Lounge," Dawn says. "I admire the hard work of Dress for Success leaders and clients, and Glam Lounge looks forward to pampering the guests who come out to support this great cause."

I'm pretty excited about it-I might look like a real person come Saturday night! Advance tickets are available online, and will also be available at the door.