Wild About Animal Sweaters

Children of the 80's - you will totally relate!

Remember waking up on Christmas morning, running to the Christmas tree to open gifts, and frantically tearing into Grandma's package hoping for the latest version of Malibu Barbie only to find a hideous excuse for a sweater covered in kittens and bows?  All you wanted to say was "damn it" but apparently, that's not appropriate for a seven year old to say.  And, what's worse...your mom made you wear it for picture day at school as permanent evidence of your embarrassment.

Believe it or not, I am actually putting an animal sweater on my Christmas list and maybe Grandma will come through for me again!  These are not the kittens and bows sweaters of the 80s and definitely do not belong in grandma's closet.  These sweaters embody all things cute and stylish.  They are appearing everywhere - puppies, tigers, foxes, kittens, owls, birds, chickens, you name it!  Here are some of my favorites.  

Top Row:  J Crew, Free People, J Crew, Joie

Bottom Row: Topshop, asos.com, asos.com

Not sure how to wear your animal sweater?  I created three looks to fit your style.  

Comfy look:

• Sweater - topshop.com
• Jeans - Citizens of Humanity
• Boots - Frye Paige Tall Riding Boot
• Bag - Marc Jacobs Too Hot to Handle

Preppy look:

• Sweater - jcrew.com
• Chambray shirt - anthropologie.com
• Shoes - anthropologie.com
• Clutch - Tory Burch

Boho Chic Look:

• Sweater - Joie
• Leggings - free people
• Shoes - Sam Edelman Flora loafer flat
• Bag - Michael Kors

Happy sweater hunting!   And while your at it, share your 80's sweater nightmare stories with me in the comments below.  I know I can't be alone in my sweater shame!

Hunter Green Trend Alert

Are you green with envy over the most fantastic color for fall?  I am obsessing over hunter/forest green and am ready to purchase something in this fabulous hue for my fall wardrobe.   At the top of my list are hunter green skinny jeans and a hunter green sweater to wear with jeans and boots of course.

Where to shop:
Sweaters:  Loft, Loft, Free People
Pants:  Tory Burch, J Crew, and Level 99
Skirt:  Anthropologie
Handbags:  Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Kate Spade
Necklace:  J Crew
Ring:  Banana Republic
Nail Polish:  Essie "Stylenomics"
Flats:  Tory Burch

First comes love, then comes marriage....

It's Tuesday, and this week seems to be dragging on.   I have been MIA the past week because I am hard at work doing calligraphy for an upcoming wedding - 200 invitations to do.   That's one of my talents and I have been praised for my handwriting since kindergarten at Rocky Ridge Elementary with Miss Hayes.  Who knew that handwriting could actually lead to some extra shopping money!!  I have dozens of satisfied brides all over Alabama and Georgia.  Here's a sample of my work.

After doing calligraphy for two hours straight, my hand was getting numb and my eyes were starting to cross so I figured I better take a break.  Speaking of weddings....marriages most of the time lead to babies.  Don't get any ideas...no babies for me yet.  But, for some reason, I had babies on the mind and designed a girly nursery for my imaginary child.  This is the look I would want for my baby girl's nursery one day.

The paneling adds some architectural flare and dimension into this design.  Accents of gold are found in the orb chandelier, monogram, dresser/changing table, and side table.  The main inspiration for this room is the rug, "Gloria's Garden", from Anthropologie (where else!!).  The color palette is simple - shades of pink and grey with pops of wild colors from the rug.  My other favorite item in the room is the flamingo print which ties in the curtains and wall color perfectly.  

Like what you see Moms-to-be??  Contact me if you would like your own nursery or other room designed just for you.  

Camel Craving!

Lately, I have been craving all things camel in my wardrobe.  I've had my eye on these Frye Boots for a few days and sweet hubby got them for me at Monkee's of Auburn for an early birthday gift.  No, my b'day is not until December, but the heart wants what it wants.  And the heart wants them NOW!

Frye Carson Riding Boot - Camel

The weather is starting to turn slightly cooler down here on the plains, and boot season is right around the corner.  Every girl needs a pair of riding boots this fall.  Of course, I would recommend camel or brown for this season.  Need some riding boot outfit inspiration?  I have created three looks which all have key trends for fall.  You can dress the boots up or down.  My favorite look is an oversized sweater with jeans and leggings.

Look #1 (left):  

• Sweater:  Free People -  Marled Yarn Pullover $88
• Jeans:  James Jeans - Twiggy legging $106
• Scarf:  Anthropologie - Olin Loop $58
• Handbag:  Marc Jacobs - Petal to the Metal $528

Look #2 (middle): 

• Dress:  Anthropologie - Threaded Trails Swing Dress $118
• Tights:  Anthropologie - Peony Printed Tights $20
• Belt:  Anthropologie - Two Toned Skinny Belt $28
• Handbag:  Rebecca Minkoff - Drew Hobo $52

Look #3 (right):

• Sweater:  Nordstrom Trouve oversize sweater $68
• Jeans:  Citizens of Humanity Avedon Skinny jean $209
• Necklace:  piperlime.com  House of Harlow:  5 station necklace $75
• Handbag:  Michael Kors Fulton Large Crossbody python $198

More great riding boots:

Steven by Steve Madden - Stingrey $229

Arturo Chiang - Fierce Riding Boot $149

Sam Edelman - Penny $190

UGG - Cydnee Riding Boots $295

Can't wait to start wearing boots, leggings, and cozy sweaters again!  It will probably be warm until Christmas around here, but one can keep dreaming about it.  Hope you have found some inspiration for your fall wardrobe!  

Danielle's Master Bedroom Makeover

Happy Monday to everyone out there!  Another work week begins yet again!  I wanted to share my latest project with you guys that has made me so excited.  My super stylish and sweet friend, Danielle, wants to redecorate her master bedroom and I offered to work up a design for her around her already purchased Dwell Studio bedding.

ROOM INSPIRATION:

Dwell Studio Bedding

I am feeling super inspired at this point after looking at the fabulous colors in the bedding - my favorites....turquoise and yellow.  What possibilities!!  Danielle wants to change pretty much everything else about her room down to the paint and flooring.  She is planning on having hardwoods installed in all her bedrooms to match the rest of the house.  Since I know her style pretty well, it was pretty easy to come up with an inspiration board.

Here are some options that I came up with to fit different budgets and room size concerns.  Danielle really wants the king size tufted bed with mirror accents and the velvet Anthropologie curtains, so those items are non-negotiable!  Different options for nightstands, pillows, lamps, and accessories can let us save some money on the budget. 

 Anthropologie Velvet Parlor Curtains

Dwell Studio Peacock Bedding

Reclaimed wood curved front nightstands

Hooker Sanctuary Tufted Bed with Mirror accents

Accent pillows from Anthropologie and Layla Grayce

Chevron rug from Layla Grayce

Neutral grey wall color

 More affordable nightstands from World Market

Grey and Yellow Chevron Rug from DwellStudio

Lamps from TJ Maxx

Light turquoise wall color

Different Rug Option

Stay tuned to see how the room turns out!  I know it's going to be fabulous.  I am so excited that Danielle involved me on this project.  Like what you see?    Contact me for information on my e-design services.  Hope everyone has a great week and that Friday comes soon.

Fall Nail Polish Faves

Lately, I have been obsessing over painting my nails...which honestly, I haven't really done since the seventh grade when I would change my polish color each night to match my outfit.  Some of my Berry Middle School friends can attest to this!  I usually forgo the manicure because it only lasts a few days.  The past few weeks, I have amazingly gotten the polish to last for about 5-6 days.  And, I have actually been cooking at home and washing dishes.  Even scrubbed the shower!   The brand of nail polish makes a huge difference.  My top three brands are OPI, China Glaze, and Essie.  I start with OPI nail strengthener as a base coat, at least 3 coats of polish, and finish with a clear top coat.

Need some fall nail inspiration?   Add these trends to your fall nail shopping basket at my fave beauty supply store, Ulta.

• Oxblood - this color is so hot right now.  The darker the better!

OPI - Can you Tapas This

China Glaze - Call of the Wild

• Grey - so neutral but so fabulous.  Shades range from light flat silver to dark mochas

OPI - You Don't Know Jacques

OPI - Over the Taupe

• Jewel Tones - think of that plaid couch that we all had in the early 90's!  It's back!!

Essie - Smokin Hot

China Glaze - Exotic Encounters

Essie - Bobbing For Baubles

• Textured - leather, matte, and suede finishes - no top coat here!  Haven't tried this one yet, but looks like fun.  OPI has a "Suede" and "Matte" collection.

OPI - Suzi Skies in the Pyrenees

Leather Unlimited

Fall 2012 is all about adding texture and layers to your wardrobe.  Gone are the days when leather was limited to bags, belts, shoes and jackets.  Add one of these pieces to your fall shopping list!

Leather Trend #1:  Leather dresses

• DO try a variety of colors.  Black is timeless, but new colors add spice
• DO wear with jewel tone tights or patterned tights
• DO NOT wear head-to-toe leather!  Too much of a good thing is possible.

Banana Republic

Bailey 44 - Bloomingdale's

Anthropologie

Leather Trend #2:  Leather leggings 

• DO try a variety of colors or even metallics
• DO wear with a long sweater or layer with a cozy cardigan
• DO make sure they fit.  Avoid the sausage stuffed into a casing that's too small look!

Citizen's of Humanity - Anthropologie

 

Blank NYC - Bloomingdale's

Vince - Bloomingdale's

Leather Trend #3:  The New Leather Jacket

• DO look for feminine details such as draping
• DO mix materials such as leather with fur or sherpa

Bloomingdale's

Theory

Leather Trend #4:  Leather Tops

• DO pair with ankle length skinny jeans/pants or a pencil skirt
• DO shop for styles with feminine flare such as peplum details, pleating, and mixing materials

Bloomingdale's

H & M

Amateur Art Day

What's a girl to do on a rainy day?  That's right....obsess over all of the gorgeous artwork on Anthropologie (my all time favorite store).  I came across these two paintings, but quickly wiped the  drool from my mouth when I saw the price of $500 a pop.

I am really trying to spice up the house with some colorful accents and thought these two paintings by Lulie Wallace would make the perfect addition to the house.  Unfortunately, my math teacher salary won't allow a splurge like this.  Why not try to paint these myself?  After a quick trip to Hobby Lobby and $60 later worth of art supplies, I was ready for amateur art day.  

After two days of work (while the hubby was at work running his car dealership), I finished my masterpieces.  I printed the paintings from the web, then sectioned the painting off into grids.  I was pretty impressed with myself as to how similar they look to the original.  The math here was simple.....$60 < $1000 any day!  See the finished products below.

Maybe I should quit teaching and paint all day...... does that job offer health insurance and a retirement plan?  I'll just stick with the day job for now.