British Invasion

Every year, around this time, I begin craving the only sweet thing I truly love ... Cadbury eggs.  They are a delightful ball from heaven that I hoard year round due to their deliciousness.  My constant longing for these sweet eggs makes me think about all that Great Britain has shared with the world.  Like tea time, the Union Jack, a love of coat of arms, and of course the ever fascinating British telephone booth.

Pagos coat of arms jersey tank top, $24
Floral Union Jack Tee, $20
Union Jack Pillow, $175
Phone Booth Cabinet, $153

Simplicity at its best

Sometimes the most simple of designs is the best route to take.  It's that time of the year and I am getting the itch to tweak my look.  I don't want to go overboard but I want something new and exciting . . . so I think I am going to go out of my comfort zone and sport a bold lip color for my friend's bridal shower.  I know this doesn't seem like too much to most women but for me it is huge.  I don't even own lipstick - my lips are already a deep color which makes finding the right shade very difficult so instead I opt for sheer lip gloss and chapstick most of the time (I'm not complaining!).  I want to use Hollywood glamour as my inspiration - a nice crisp white shirt, black pants with simple flats will do the trick and will make my new lip color classic.  Keeping everything simple is the trick here.

Lace & Broderie blouse, $140
Twill Button-Front Trench Coat, $50
Zig-Zag Pant, $290
Bacara Flats, $149
Chanel Rouge Coco Mademoiselle, $32
Piet Mondrian. Chrysanthemum. 1908–09

Go go gadget . . . kitchen updates

I just adore getting new kitchen gadgets.  They can make mornings cheerier and everyday activities seem new again.  Here are a few things I would love to add to my cupboards this spring.

1. Bodum Glass Teapot, $54
2. Farmer's Egg Crate, $14
3. Herb Keeper, $20
4. Apellation Utensil Jar, $28
5. Adjustable Height Rolling Pin, $20
6. Bronze Age Flatware, $36
7. Monogrammed Fruit Bowl, $49

Rorschach ... I mean golden dreams

1. Tupelo Honey Dress, $60
2. Tasha Sequin Frame Minaudiere, $98
3. Gold suzani pillow, $195
4. Gold hex votive holders, $10
5. Gilt Frames, $34
6. Painted Morning Skirt, $88
7. Oriel Flats, $97
Andy Warhol. Rorschach. 1984

Ahoy matey

1. Anchor Print Tunic, $13
2. Necktie crepe blouse, $320
3. Anchors away brooch, $28
4. Splendid Nautical Stripe Top, $66
5. Miss Swiss Corset Dress, $168
Roy Lichtenstein. Girl with Ball. 1961

Savvy sales

When digging through sale items I keep one mantra in mind ... year round materials = year round versatility.  I look for items such as camisoles and silk blouses that can be worn with jeans, skirts, and cardigans making them useful all year.  Dresses can be worn with flats during the spring and summer and tights and boots during the fall and winter.  Nothing makes me feel better than getting a great deal on a beautiful piece of clothing that I can utilize in many ways.

1. Chevron cami, $78  $30
2. Washed crepe Nanine dress $225  $99 
3. Stippled Canvas Top, $98 $50
4. Easy-As-Pie Dress, $138  $70
5. Joie Fairbanks Tank Top, $100  $75
6. Washed crepe Aveline dress, $235  $99



 

Makeover madness

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{photos courtesy of Southernliving.com}