etsy love.

Etsy is always a great place for unique finds with its vintage, homemade flair and custom options.  I recently ordered some handmade, graphic pillows from a great shop called PillowThrowDecor and wanted to share Christine's fun designs with you [she has pretty prints for great prices!].  Not to mention, she is a joy to work with and always happy to customize orders per your needs....I ordered some great b+w chevron pillows, as well as some lime green ikat and hot pink graphic prints.  Be sure to check out her fabulous shop!



happy weekending!

Wishing everyone a lovely, relaxing weekend!  Oh, how I wish I were sporting a charming weekend ensemble [and ride] such as this...

 via http://dustjacketattic.blogspot.com/

via thealternativebride.blogspot.com

...on my way to enjoying a leisurely cup of this...what do you think??

latest obsession: prabal gurung for j.crew

Super chic Singapore-born designer, Prabal Gurung has created an amazing limited edition line for J.Crew that literally caused my heart to skip a beat upon viewing the collection. Playing with volume and scale, Gurung designed a collection that was both modern and chic, yet comfortable and approachable. Take a look at these amazing must-haves [and grab them before they're gone...only 50 pieces were created for select styles!]...

All images courtesy of Prabal Gurung for J.Crew.

electric pout.

Bright accessories are often the first choice when adding color to your look, but I love trying new vibrant lip stains to add some punch. Electrify your night out with a matte fuschia lip and simple eyes for a classic, yet modern look. Bobbi Brown advises dabbing eye cream on lips before applying bold lipsticks.  Let lips absorb the cream and then line and fill lips with a complimentary liner to prevent the color from bleeding. Apply the hot pink lipstick or gloss and blot to mute the color, if desired. 

Keep eyes simple with a neutral shadow and chic black liquid liner (I love a subtle, but mod cat eye with this look).  Add mascara and hit the town. A perfectly pink pout will definitely give you some pop!

Image via My Pink World

Images: Top Left: via Edit New York. Top Middle: via Pinterest [The Glitter Guide].

Middle Left: DVF Runway via Mimi Grace. Middle Center: Chanel lipsticks. Middle Right: via Little Frou Frou Fashionista

Bottom Left: via Design Minds. Bottom Right: via Cup of Jo. Collage by In Good Taste [Laura Boyd]

sunny inspiration...

Photo via Pinterest [The Glitter Guide]. Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Image by In Good Taste [Laura Boyd]

 

Beachy-chic Bardot + a little Emerson wisdom equals summertime perfection.

animal instinct.

Animal prints are nothing new - for years, they have famously made statements throughout fashion and home decor.  Often perceived as "trendy" and sometimes even tacky, when done right they exude a richly glamorous, yet fun, graphic style. The zebra print, with its classic black + white color scheme, is the perfect print to add some pop to almost any home [use instead of a bold b+w stripe to add a little more luxe to your look].

Here are a few photos that convey the versatility of this bold print - whether its an over-the-top glam accent to an already rich space, or a colorful version that exudes a graphic, preppy sensibility, the zebra print done right is perfectly divine. 

 Bold, Neo-Trad look from Elle Decor

Jonathan Adler via Elle Decor

Modern glamour from Domino [Elle Decor]

 Stark white with a contrasting focal point from Elle Decor

 Tradtional with a pop of print from Elle Decor

Rich + chic with clean lines via Decor Pad

Monique Lhuillier's stunning Living Room from Elle Decor

Graphic, turquoise prints from Elle Decor

 Dark hues make for a traditional, yet bold look from Elle Decor

mix the glitz.

Most who know me are aware of how much I love over-the-top, borderline gaudy jewelry [the bigger the better].  And just when you think that one piece is a bit much, I will most likely pile it on top of another equally audacious choice.  Hence, my firm belief in taking risks and adding just enough to make a unique statement that exudes a confident sense of personal style while also adding a bit of whimsy to your wardrobe.  I tend to buy more accessories and jewelry than clothes - and not just because I have an unhealthy obsession; moreso, because I believe you can instantly update and glamourize any outfit [be it a simple black cocktail dress or even a basic Gap tee] with a fabulous piece of costume jewelry...here are a few examples of what I mean:

Add a little glam to that nautical tee with some outrageously mixed jewels.

Image via The Glitter Guide

Don't be afraid to keep stacking!

via Pinterest [Plum Sugar Pretty Loungerie]

Mix textures, stones and metals for an elegantly
disheveled and effortless look.

Image via The Glitter Guide

J.Crew really popularized this look and made it approachable, so I always keep an eye out for their newest creations. They have amazing pieces that are affordable and classic, but vintage-inspired and always a bit dramatic.  Here are some great pieces that are perfect for laying, but also statement pieces on their own...



All images courtesy of J.Crew.com

I just purchased this piece which is perfect for layering since it lays flat. Try laying other flat, jeweled pieces on top or even short, chunkier layers of pearls for a bold, "piled on" statement.  This necklace is great because the little rhinestone-encrusted bars will peak out of just about anything you choose for a little glimpse of sparkle!

The newest addition to my collection from J.Crew

I came across this gold bamboo and rhinestone necklace from Kate Spade that I think would be so classic intertwined with an equal-lengthed set of pearls [just twist the two around each other and clasp for a traditional look with a unique edge].  That would seriously be a go-to everyday necklace for me...love.

Kate Spade Bamboozled Graduated Necklace



happy weekending (especially to all the moms!)

Happy Friday!  And a very Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there. Love this mother/daughter shot of Gwyneth and her gorgeous mother, Blythe...

via Cue the Artist

Who ran to help me when I fell,
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the place to make it well?
My mother.

-Ann Taylor

cinco de chic.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  Shake things up for this festive, feel-good holiday with a twist on a few traditional favorites.  I would love to be lounging poolside right now [musing on the motto below], sipping one of these delightfully pink, prickly pear concoctions with this gorgeous dish in hand...what do you think?

via Enjoy Yourself

via Pinterest: Christine Martinez.

Prickly Pear Margarita

Image and recipe via My Sweet & Saucy

Bobby Flay's Fish Tacos

Image and recipe courtesy of Food Network [Bobby Flay]



fancy pants.

I've always been a big fan of shorts [just short enough, tailored, and with a bright pop of color or fun print], but I'm completely gushing over these gems [with a little romper thrown in for good measure]...

J.Crew Gala Short

J.Crew Duchesse Ruffle Short

J.Crew Casbah Romper

Phillip Lim Satin Shorts

ASOS Double Belt Pleat Front Shorts



marvelous may.

Happy May [a bit belated]! All the colorful May baskets and sunshine have me just itching for summer. Stay tuned for some fun, warm weather posts to brighten up the week...in the meantime, throw on some bright lipstick and grab those fabulous sunnies...summer is just around the bend!

Image via Shop Nasty Gal