holy moly {this is so cool}

 

I know this seems like an ordinary pocket watch but it is definitely not!  For starters this is an Elgin watch and call it personal {my maiden name is Elgin} or historical but at the turn of the century an Elgin watch was the thing to have.  But this watch goes even further than that .... this is Clyde's {of Bonnie and Clyde} watch that was found on his body after being ambushed by the police.  I know this is slightly morbid but totally cool.  This is actually about to appear in an upcoming auction - I smell Christmas present if the c-note is still reading this post.

extreme {creativity}

 

I am pretty sure that anyone who knows me is already laughing at this statement.  With the way my house looked this morning when I left for work - I must be overly creative these days.  My Friday night is going to consist of a deep house cleaning because tomorrow starts the real fun of fall - COLLEGE FOOTBALL!! And I'm pretty sure that all those people the C-note invited over to watch the Crimson Tide are not interested in how creative I am on weekdays.

cov8t {current wishlist}

1. Madewell Peplum top 
2. Ikat Print Dinnerware 
3. Lyon Platform Pump
4. Madewell Eyeglasses 
5. ASOS pleated maxi dress 
6. Beetle Pillow Cover
7. Animal print top
8. Regina-Andrew White Coral on Lucite Base Lamp

today's {special}

giving {the finger}

Gotcha!  I know most of you were thinking about "giving the bird" being that this is MY blog we are talking about, but really I want to discuss rings today.  I don't normally buy rings because my hands are like carny hands and according to my niece they smell like cabbage {inside joke, I promise}.  On that note my hands are tiny - I'm talking a size 4 wedding ring tiny so buying costume jewelry rings just isn't in the cards for me.  But I've done it again and through my compulsive looking at things I have discovered rings that even freaks like me can wear.

BaubleBar Signet Ring
Applelatte Nail Ring 
SABO SKIRT Tiny Skull Ring

pinsperation {hair color}

So I'm having an issue.  In the midst of renewing my passport I was asked to fill out what color hair I have ... there was no box to check off indicating that I have bronde (brown + blonde) hair ... I bet this means I will be likely to get body searched at the airport.  They should really provide a box that says "depends on the day."

This is going to be my fall pinsperation!

i {die}

Kate Spade - Brushstroke Clutch

Perfection in a handbag!  Is this not the most incredible clutch you have ever seen.  I must figure out a way to add this to my collection.  The paint brush as the clasp is beyond brilliant and just makes me squeal like a little piggy with delight.

lust must {leopard peplum}

must 
lust

holy {gap}

Gap shoes

If I had seen these before my birthday promoting post they surely would have made the cut ... the only problem is which one of these little puppies I should acquire first.  Can you believe that polka dots are calf hair?!?!?!?

i am leo {hear me roar}

As you can see, I am a narcissistic Leo.  What can I say I love my birthday month.  Being that my birthday is coming up in a few short weeks I thought I would give y'all a nice list to choose from so don't be shy and get me some stuff. ; )

Zara printed pants (size M ... I have a rear end,  you know)

NARS Cheek palette  

Forever 21 studded clutch

Mint short sleeve shirt (size S ... no explanation needed there)

Camel and Ivory Herringbone Throw 

Domino: The Book Of Decorating 

Zara beetles necklace 

Madewell round sunglasses 

current {motto}

give me {$}

I'm starting a collection for these bad boys ... feel free to send $ my way ...

Sam Edelman Petty Boot

summer {wishlist}

These are all things that I would like to bless my closet at some point this summer - don't forget my birthday is coming up fairly soon (just a friendly reminder).  The lip color is especially to die for being that it is the J Crew fall 2012 signature color ... must have immediately!  And well, I must also admit that I have already purchased the skull cuff as it was calling my name across that great big expanse we have dubbed the internet and persuaded me to have a compulsive moment that I don't regret for one second.

MadeByGirl skull cuff, $20
OCP lip tar in Queen, $15

J Crew mint silk shirt, $98
Madewell flea market flares, $125
Zara studded clutch, $90
J crew silk cami, $88
Zara blazer, $100
Madewell sunglasses, $55

this is {the life}

This past weekend was the stuff that all weekends should be made of.  Friday night was a grand party celebrating C-note's fellow residents who had paid their dues and are moving on to real life.  Saturday consisted of lunch at Surf Bar* and an afternoon at the beach (I could have done without the gratuitous nipple shot from the woman chasing her toddler though).  Sunday we sojourned to a private beach only accessible by boat with some of our best friends (we are sad that some of our dearest and nearest friends will be leaving us so soon) for an entire day of relaxation sans any public nipple action.  We propped up our tent, ate cheesy poofs, and found out that they actually have ice cream boats that play that same music as the neighborhood ice cream truck.  The Ice Cream Float pulled right up to the beach and dished out ice cream bars - brilliant - even spongebob made an appearance.

* I am in the process of creating a Charleston Bucket List being that we only have 1 year left here.  I will also begin linking our bucket list to posts when we have marked something off.  I hope that making this public information will help us keep our pact to see and do these things before we have time to regret being lazy.

hue hoo {black}

I have to admit that I have never really had a love affair with the color black as some others do.  I know, I know, it is a neutral ... blah blah blah.  But for the longest time {mainly my 20's} I just couldn't find much use for black in my wardrobe.  However, over the past few weeks I have found myself becoming infatuated with black's uncanny ability to make other colors pop.  I was in the the frame of mind that black was too harsh but now I can see that it simply makes a statement of gratitude when paired with other seemingly innocuous colors.  There seems to be a new wardrobe staple for my 30's emerging from the abyss.

Forever 21 stone jewelry, $15

A Pop of Color Face Pillow IV 
J.Crew suede heels, $198
Forever 21 dress, $28
Around the World Key Bamboo Lamp
Zara studded clutch, $90
J Crew cotton belt, $20

cov8t {timeless}

1. Baublebar tortoise chain, $40
2. Zara sandals, $50
3. Madewell lace top, $68

4. Jennifer Fisher skull cuff, $350
5. Madewell Drifter Shades, $50
6. J Crew leather satchel bag, $278
7. Clinique Runway Coral, $15
8. Madewell wedge heels, $188

palettes

Renoir

I came across this article describing the different techniques that well-known artists of the past used to arrange the color on their palettes - I know what you are thinking, BOR-ING.  However, it is one of the most intriguing art history articles that I have read in quite some time.  The way an artist arranges the colors on his palette explains the way he visualizes the use of color in his work.  People don't normally think about the preliminary steps of actually getting your paints ready to create a work of art.  Some artists mix as they go along while some artists mix all of their colors before even starting the work.  The spontaneous vs. the controlled.  I personally am so controlling over my real life that when it comes to painting I mix as I go ... letting my mind be free to choose as I see fit with each situation that my brush runs into ... art is the one aspect of my life in which I don't want to think ahead.  Seeing all of these famous palettes made me really think about my own and how I want people to see it in the future.

Van Gogh

Degas

Seurat

Delacroix

cov8t {pattern}

1. Isometric Maillot, $128
2. Havana Stool, $66
3. OTTE sleeveless top, $165
4. Navy Chevron Dog Bowl, $39
5. Racer back tank top, $13
6. Blue and white blouse,$40
7. Achroma Angles Pouch, $58
8. Zara jellies, $90

color block {cardigan}

Lust
Must

spontaneous {inspiration}

I found this cheetah rug for 85% off yesterday and I snapped it up ... for a cool $58 (it is a 5 x 8 rug that will go in any room).  Not being a spontaneous purchaser made this an uneasy buy at first but as I began perusing my cache of inspiration I quickly became excited about all of the possibilities this rug will bring to our house.  I am hoping to make it work in the master bedroom for the time being or maybe switching it for the cow hide in my office.  Oh my imagination is just running wild (no pun intended).

Serendipity Cheetah Rug

1. Porcelain Peacock Vase
2. Pink Patent Leather Books
3. Faux Bamboo Magazine Rack4. Key Bamboo Lamp
5. Metallic Diamond Handwoven Pillow
6. Mint Leather Stool

mellow {yellow}

* images via pinterest

unkie {bill}

Happy Birthday to my favorite Unkie Bill!  I have a more appropriate photograph for you but that will be sent by e-mail ... mother wouldn't approve and she reads the blog too.  Thanks for making my days brighter and filled with laughter to no end.  Thanks for singing drag queen songs to me on a weekly basis.  And thanks for all those years of watching Pee Wee Herman on Saturday mornings.  We will miss Whitney but I'm sure there are more celeb tragedies in out future together.  And remember who loves you more than anything in the whole world (who also doesn't throw horrific temper tantrums anymore) ... ME!

diy {coral bookends}

Aren't these fantastic?!?!  And even though they are only $20 from Target the cheap side of me can't help but think about how easy it would be to make these out of fish tank coral and a 2 x 4.  Just think of the color combinations you could create with a little paint and imagination.  Gold and white laquer ... hot pink and neon yellow ... tone on tone shades of any color would create a clean and modern look as well ... oh the possibilities are endless.  Project coral bookends commence.

lust must {bubble suit}

lust: J Crew j crew bathing suit
must: Old Navy swimwear

f {bomb}

happy monday

cov8t {summer essentials}

1. Zara neon sandals, $50
2. Zara mini city bag, $100
3. Old Navy chevron towel, $15
4. Forever 21 lace top, $20
5. J Crew vintage style bikini, $44
6. J Crew cotton belt, $25
7. Baublebar Skull necklace $38
8. Michael Kors sunglasses, $99

horn {envy}

So these antlers were on sale on Gilt for $400 the other day.

These are on sale at my local antique store for $60 .... which do you think will be coming home with me?

gold {wood}

I told you I have been obsessed with metallic lately and this coffee table covers all of my wants and desires.  It is gold for starters - and not just partly gold, all the way gold.  And we can't deny the unbelievably cool design and the fact that none of your friends would have it.  Ah, if only I had won the mega millions I would have a gold log table ... however, if you won the millions you can get this table on One Kings Lane today.

shiny {objects}

So over the last few weeks of my constant searching for things I may or may not need, I have discovered that as of late I have a borderline obsession with gold.  I can't help it - the magpie in me loves shiny objects.  I have found myself dreaming of something metallic in every shape imaginable.  Here are a few that may really find their way into my home.

Zara sandals
Christian Siriano handbag
Gap straw clutch
Chevron Lamp Shade Gold
Decorative Horse Head Figural
Diptyque scented oval
Modern brass bowls

texas {love}

I have to admit that one that one of the things I miss most about being back home in Shreveport is being so close to Texas.  While both C-note and I are die hard Louisiana there are a few things we miss dearly that live in Texas - My sister and his brother and their respective loved ones (also our respective loved ones).  I know that most people associate Texas with ten gallon hats and six shooters but there is much more in a design aspect that can be taken from the bigger is better state - like having a plethora of antlers in your house and using the bold graphic designs of southwestern style to complement classically styled items that can frankly become quite mundane.  These are a few items that I wouldn't mind adding to my own repertoire. 

1. Beige, $285

2. Cardboard longhorn, $30

3. Pastel Fringed Shopper, $159 

4. Antler Chandelier, $189 

5. Maize Woven Storage Basket, $40

run away {mind}

Folly Beach

Well, the spring heat is slowly setting in here in Charleston and it is slowly deteriorating all of my motivation.  I constantly find myself dreaming of a cold cocktail and sunny beach.  I've had zero concentration since Monday morning anyway and now I am about to act on my urge to do nothing this weekend.  My plans are to enjoy a birthday party this evening and then I flat out refuse to do anything but the things I want ... not the things I have to.  Have a happy and peaceful weekend!

raspberry beer cocktail - recipe here

*images via pinterest

french {chic}

J Crew tweed jacket
Pink Eiffel Tower Cups
Revolver Pillow
French Onion Bowl
Nailhead Document Box
Poodle Bookends

40's {cool}

Along with the new car came three months of Sirius Radio - something I would never get on my own but will thoroughly enjoy while I have it.  As strange as it may sound one of my favorite stations has been the 40's channel.  It is so relaxing to listen to the streaming jazz and it almost transports me into a former Charleston that I wish I could have been part of.  Well, for the next 3 months I will be living like Owen Wilson's character in Midnight in Paris - wishing I were in an ère meilleure.  Ta ta for the weekend - I'll be relaxing in the backseat listening to Louis.

goodbye {hello}

Oz

This one is for my Unkie Bill ... I bit the bullet ... and got a new car!  A 2012 VW Passat to be exact.  After contemplating a new car for over a year now I finally did it.  I gutted up and walked into the car dealership (by myself) and 48 hours later I have a new car.  It is the strangest feeling I have had in quite some time, especially considering that my Jeep (Oz is his name) has been with me for fourteen years.  I was his original owner for goodness sakes.  It is almost like giving up a child, companion, and best friend all at once with the flick of a pen.  However, getting in the Passat (I think I will name him the Wizard) is like getting in the most luxurious piece of machinery I can imagine - I mean, it doesn't even have a tape player and it syncs to my phone! Oh and it has heated side mirrors to combat the early morning dew (how utterly snotty and fantastic can it get!)  So, if you see a 31 year old woman driving like she is 90 because she is scared to death that someone will hit her or because, well, she has only had one car for 14 years ... that's me.

The Wizard

cov8t {vintage effect}

1. Faux Deer Antlers, $40
2. Union Jack Ottoman, $150

3. Wheat Sheaf Table, $795

4. Tate Entertaining Bar , $800

5. Trophy Horn Cup, $26
6. Brass Palm Candlesticks,$26 
7. Ginger Jar, $68
8. Silhouette, $32

brass {trinkets}

So I am in the process of re-doing all of the bookshelves in our house.  For starters they all need to be dusted, which means removing everything anyways, so why not just give them some new pizazz in the meantime.  Also, after close examination of my unhealthy obsession with pinning bookshelves on pinterest, I have come to the realization that I will need trinkets in the same color palette in order to create the cohesive look that I apparently love.  However, being that there is no money growing on my trees this year, I found this tutorial on making "brass objects" on the cheap.  SOLD!  My first victim is going to be a tiny statue recreation of Michelangelo's David that was a gift to my husband many years ago - I'm pretty sure David won't mind being painted brass being that our version has a sweet mullet (not kidding)!

hue hoo {pink!}

I have an unhealthy obsession with pink every January.  Although I am not gaga over Valentine's Day I do love the plethora of pink in all shades that shows up for the first few months of every year ... and this year is no disappointment.  The shades are brighter and bolder than ever and there is not a single piece of a wardrobe that isn't subject to turning up pink.  The question is what to get first?!

1. J.Crew boat shoes, $98

2. F21 floppy brim hat, $13
3. Lovely Lulu Straws, $3.50
4. Gap belt, $25
5. Cambridge messenger bag, $155
6. Old Navy jeans, $35