Thursday, May 31, 2012

Thoughtful Thursday: Utilizing Your Space

Lately B and I have been in the process of doing mini makeovers on a couple of the rooms in the house. The family room was first on our list as we spend a lot of time there. There is however, one room we RARELY use. You know which room I am talking about. The one that is supposed to be used as the "living room." I think I can count on one hand how many times I've actually gone in that room and stayed longer than 2 minutes.

I wanted to think of a way to utilize the space so I asked my good friend/designer, Lea if she had any suggestions. She gave us a great recommendation of turning the room into a study/library. So smart! I love the idea of making the room more inviting by putting a comfy couch in there, a cozy little table and lamp, with a wall full of books. Take a peek at some of these lovely home libraries I aspire to have someday soon.







XO

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Lusting Lately: Mixed Prints

I don't know about you, but I am very excited that this short week has pretty much marked the start of summer. I am of course looking forward to the BBQ's, and the trips to the doggy beach, but I am also really looking forward to dressing in a summer wardrobe.

It seems that almost any combination is fair game this summer. Thanks to color blocking you can pair almost any color together and you are out the door. As much as I like a good color block, I am lately lusting over mixed prints. Polka dots and stripes? Yes, please! Some mixed prints inspiration below. Enjoy your day!





XO

Monday, May 28, 2012

The Weekend in Outfits


I hope you all had a great long weekend! What did everyone do? We had an amazing time in Vail and I have to say, I was for once, fairly content with my packing choices! Maybe those outfit boards from last week actually worked!

The weekend was wonderful but I am very happy to be home and ready to take on the week ahead!

XO

Friday, May 25, 2012

Friday's Fancies: Memorial Day Edition

For this Memorial Day weekend, keep it easy and throw on a cute stripped dress, with a knock out but comfortable shoe, a killer statement earring, and some simple arm candy! I am sure everyone has fun plans for the weekend. Maybe a pool party or a BBQ? Whatever you have planned, make things easy on yourself and throw something on that is hassle free. So instead of adjusting your skirt all night long, you can actually enjoy the time with your family and friends. Some inspiration in honor of this week's Memorial Day edition of Friday's Fancies.


Once again, have a safe and amazing weekend! I've kicked mine off a little early...poolside with a wine! It's 5:00 somewhere?
XO

Rocky Mountain High

Good morning to you all, and happy Friday! The long weekend has arrived and we have arrived in Vail.
It was actually snowing when we got here yesterday. The snow was brief and I have to admit, I kind of enjoyed it! Brought back memories of Colorado skiing with my family.
A big walk in closet away from home? I'll take it! Thank you, Four Seasons! You really know how to make a girl happy! 
All bundled up and ready for a little wondering in the village.
B and I stopped into this cute and cozy coffee shop yesterday for an afternoon latte and treat.
It is so gorgeous here this morning! The sun is shining and is to be MUCH warmer today! I am looking forward to a lovely weekend with B and friends, and hope you all of an amazing weekend as well!
XO 


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Vail Bound

We have decided to go on a somewhat impromptu getaway to Vail this weekend. I am in LOVE with Colorado and can't wait to breathe in some fresh mountain air. I am looking forward to some morning hikes, shopping, and of course some yummy meals and wine! I may be jumping the gun a little bit here, as i still have some packing to do!

Packing seems to always be a major issue for me. I always OVER pack and then on my arrival realize I have nothing to wear. I of course have plenty to wear, I am just never satisfied with my choices. I find myself wishing I had brought that other pair of shoes, or that other jacket. Can you guys relate to this, or am I just crazy?  Or perhaps both! With the hopes of being completely content with my choices I have created a few outfit boards to keep me on track with my packing later this evening. Any suggesstions from any packing experts?


For the Plane. I always like to have my big tote, a little jacket, and an over sized scarf. It's always freezing on the planes! And I think my palazzo pants will be the perfect comfortable but cute pant!

I know...again with polka dots! But I have a skirt similar to this that I just bought at Forever and think it is a must have for this trip.

I have a feeling this may be a very active trip, being it is Colorado. I am sure we will be doing lots of hiking, biking and walking.Although this is not my outfit of choice, I am trying to plan ahead for once!
 A couple maxi dresses, my yellow jeans, and a few blazers and I think I will be good to go! What do you guys think? Am I missing anything for a Colorado vacay?? Are any of you going away for the long weekend? Would love to hear about it!

XO

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Jem News

I am so excited to share that there are TWO Jem Giveaways going on right now. A special thanks to Ashley and Ally over at Confessions of the Glitterati, as well as to Samantha, over at The Brunette One, for not only featuring our bands, but also for styling them so gorgeously!

Be sure to stop over at the brunette one as well as Confessions of the Glitterati to enter, and to double your chances of winning one of these pretty little headbands. Here is peek at how these three lovely ladies styled their Jem Bands.

Love how Samantha, over at the brunette one, styled her headband with a cute pair of denim shorts and a simple t-shirt.


Ashley and Ally, over at Confessions of the Glitterati did an amazing job styling their bands with little t-shirts and rolled up jeans.
I will be honest. I wear our bands pretty much with anything and everything, but one of my favorite ways to wear them in the summer are with a long maxi dress and a little sandal. Or for a night out, love pairing them with a colored blouse (such as this one) and a cropped pant and heel.

I am curious...How would you guys style your Jem Headband?

XO

Monday, May 21, 2012

Back to the Classics: Black and White

Happy Monday to you all! How was the weekend? To be completely honest, mine was relatively uneventful. B was out of town for business so besides a fun dinner with a girlfriend on Saturday night, my weekend consisted of training for work and more work. In other words, surrounded myself with gorgeous clothes all weekend! Can't be too upset about that, right?

Although I spent my weekend indulged in amazing clothes, I for some reason woke up this morning with the urge to wear something simple and classic. So with that being said, I opted for my all time favorite classic color combo, black and white!

 My black and white for the day
Sweater/H&M/Shoes/Nine West/Pants/Nordstrom

And couldn't resist finding more gorgeous black and white inspiration...

Black and White Done Chic
Have a great week!

XO

Friday, May 18, 2012

A Day With Chambray

The weekend is almost here(thank goodness) and with that, of course comes Friday's Fancies. This week's outfit was to be based around the oh so cute, Chambray.

Although I adore a chambray shirt, (see below) I couldn't resist revolving my outfit around this amazing little chambray dress. I can't help but swoon over the polka dots. I have to admit, I've had a minor obsession with them lately. And unlike last week's outrageous dress, this one is much more of a realistic purchase. What do you think? Polka dot chambray, or no?


Chambray Dress: Lulu's
Shoe:Joia Color Block Wedge
Purse: Fendi
Earrings: Kohls
Scarf: Damir Doma
Ring:Kevia Rococo
Sunnies: Victoria Beckham





My Chambray from an old post
Have a great weekend!!!
XO




Thursday, May 17, 2012

Thoughtful Thursday: The Perfect Flower Arrangement

One of my favorite things to add to our home are fresh flowers. There is something about them that really makes a house feel more like a home. Now that summer is upon us, I look forward to taking my weekly trips to at our local farmers market, picking some pretty flowers, and attempting to make some gorgeous arrangements. The key word there is "attempt."

As much as I would love for my arrangements to look like this...
Or like this...
Or this...
The only problem is that they end up looking like this!

I stumbled upon this short video over at LA in Bloom. It is a little tutorial that provides a few basic tips and suggestions when building the perfect arrangement! Watch the video here and let me know what you think!XO

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Lusting Lately: Lace Dresses

Remember that stunning Valentino Lace Dress from last week's Friday's Fancies? Well, it's been on my mind ever since!  But lets be real. That dress is a "little" out of my budget.

Instead of pouting about the Valentino not being in my closet anytime soon, I have found some other options at a much lower price point, however none the less still gorgeous! What do you think? Have any favorites?

Yumi Pearl Necklace Lace Dress
$43
A Wear Lace Dress
$87
Lipsy Lace Skater Dress
Asos Lace Skater Dress
$148
French Connection Lace Dress
$148
On another note, I would like to thank the girls over at Confessions of the Glitterati for featuring The Jem Boutique and our headbands on their blog yesterday! You guys looked too cute!

We will be giving away a headband to one lucky winner, so make sure you stop by their blog to enter!

XO